Can I keep chickens in Windham, NH?
Yes, with conditions — Windham allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Zoning Ordinance § 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Must follow NH Commissioner of Agriculture Best Management Practices: Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock. All Farm Animal Housing Boundary Setbacks per the BMP are measured from property lines. |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance § 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C) |
Windham permits farm animals including chickens as an agricultural accessory use in Rural and Residential A, B, and C zoning districts. No specific hen count, permit, or setback is set in the zoning code itself — all standards are governed by the NH Commissioner of Agriculture Best Management Practices for Livestock. Residents should confirm suitability with the Planning Office before keeping chickens.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Windham?
Yes, with conditions — Windham allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance § 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C)).
How many chickens can I keep in Windham?
Windham sets no numeric cap on hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Windham?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Windham.
What law covers backyard chickens in Windham?
Zoning Ordinance § 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance § 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C) — read the official code
“Farm animals, including chickens, are permitted as an accessory use to residential use in the Rural and Residential A, B, and C districts, subject to the NH Commissioner of Agriculture Best Management Practices: Housing and Space Guidelines for Livestock.” source
“§ 602.1.1.2 (Rural District) and § 603.1.2 (Residence Districts A, B & C): Agriculture, including the keeping of farm animals, is a permitted accessory use to a residence subject to NH BMP guidelines.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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