Can I keep chickens in Binghamton, NY?
Yes — Binghamton allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (§ 410-19E (Zoning, Keeping of animals); § 178-2 (Fowl at large), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept and maintained so as not to create odors or noise disturbing to occupants of adjacent properties; fowl may not run at large (§ 178-2). |
| Code section | § 410-19E (Zoning, Keeping of animals); § 178-2 (Fowl at large) |
In the City of Binghamton, keeping farm animals is generally prohibited as an accessory use, but the zoning code expressly allows up to four hens, ducks or rabbits as an exception, provided they don't create disturbing odors or noise. Only hens are permitted - roosters and other chickens are not - and there is no permit or fee specified. Separately, fowl may not be allowed to run at large or onto neighbors' property.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Binghamton?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Binghamton (§ 410-19E (Zoning, Keeping of animals); § 178-2 (Fowl at large)).
How many chickens can I keep in Binghamton?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Binghamton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Binghamton.
Are roosters allowed in Binghamton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Binghamton.
What law covers backyard chickens in Binghamton?
§ 410-19E (Zoning, Keeping of animals); § 178-2 (Fowl at large). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 410-19E (Zoning, Keeping of animals); § 178-2 (Fowl at large) — read the official code
“§ 178-2. Fowl prohibited at large. It shall be unlawful for any person to suffer or permit any chicken, duck, goose, turkey or other fowl owned or controlled by him or her to run at large or to go upon the premises of another person without the consent of such person.” source
“Keeping of animals. An accessory use in any district shall not include the sheltering, keeping or maintaining of hogs, goats, sheep, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, cattle, chickens, rabbits or any animal not commonly considered a domestic pet, except that up to four hens, ducks, or rabbits may be kept and maintained in a manner that does not create odors or noise disturbing to occupants of adjacent properties.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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