Can I keep chickens in Buffalo, NY?
Yes, with conditions — Buffalo allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§ 341-11.1, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear/backyard only, at least 5 ft from side lot line and 18 in from rear; min 20 ft from any door/window of a neighboring dwelling; license issued only after Animal Control inspection of coop. |
| Code section | § 341-11.1 |
Buffalo permits up to five domesticated chicken hens per dwelling in residential districts, with no roosters, under a City Clerk license costing $25 per hen (max $125). Hens must be kept as pets/personal use only with written consent of adjacent residents, and the coop must be inspected and approved by an Animal Control Officer. No commercial sale of eggs/meat and no breeding.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Buffalo?
Yes, with conditions — Buffalo allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (§ 341-11.1).
How many chickens can I keep in Buffalo?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Buffalo?
Yes — Buffalo requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Buffalo?
No — roosters are prohibited in Buffalo.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Buffalo?
5 feet minimum. Coop in rear/backyard only, at least 5 ft from side lot line and 18 in from rear; min 20 ft from any door/window of a neighboring dwelling; license issued only after Animal Control inspection of coop.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Buffalo?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Buffalo's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Buffalo?
§ 341-11.1. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 341-11.1 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep any chicken, pigeon, turkey, duck or any fowl in any residential or commercial district... except as provided in §§ 341-11.1 through 341-11.4 hereof.” source
“No more than five chicken hens shall be allowed for each single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling.” source
“Persons wishing to keep chicken hens within the City of Buffalo must obtain a license from the Office of the City Clerk after payment of an annual fee of $25 per chicken hen, up to a maximum of five chicken hens, for a maximum total annual fee of $125.” source
“No roosters shall be allowed.” 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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