Can I keep chickens in Ithaca, NY?
Yes, with conditions — Ithaca allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City of Ithaca Code Ch. 164, Art. IV (Backyard Chickens), §§ 164-26 to 164-30, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($35) |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 2,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Coop/covered enclosure with run, min. 4 sq ft per chicken; combined coop+run in rear yard, covering <=50% of rear yard; >=20 ft from any adjacent residential structure and >=5 ft from any abutting residential property line (less if neighbor agrees in writing); feed in rodent-resistant, weather-proof containers. |
| Code section | City of Ithaca Code Ch. 164, Art. IV (Backyard Chickens), §§ 164-26 to 164-30 |
Ithaca (Tompkins County) allows up to six female chickens, but only on lots with property class code 210, 215, 220, 240 or 250 and more than 2,000 sq ft, making it conditional on parcel type. Roosters and guinea fowl are prohibited. Registration with the City Clerk ($35 fee) plus completion of a Cornell Cooperative Extension chicken-keeping seminar is required, and coops must meet rear-yard, setback and size limits.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Ithaca?
Yes, with conditions — Ithaca allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City of Ithaca Code Ch. 164, Art. IV (Backyard Chickens), §§ 164-26 to 164-30).
How many chickens can I keep in Ithaca?
Up to 6 hens. Up to 6 hens, but only on lots with property class code 210/215/220/240/250 and lot square footage >2,000 sq ft; requires registration ($35) and a completed chicken-keeping seminar.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ithaca?
Yes — Ithaca requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $35).
Are roosters allowed in Ithaca?
No — roosters are prohibited in Ithaca.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Ithaca?
5 feet minimum. Coop/covered enclosure with run, min. 4 sq ft per chicken; combined coop+run in rear yard, covering <=50% of rear yard; >=20 ft from any adjacent residential structure and >=5 ft from any abutting residential property line (less if neighbor agrees in writing); feed in rodent-resistant, weather-proof containers.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Ithaca?
Yes — 2,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Ithaca?
City of Ithaca Code Ch. 164, Art. IV (Backyard Chickens), §§ 164-26 to 164-30. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City of Ithaca Code Ch. 164, Art. IV (Backyard Chickens), §§ 164-26 to 164-30 — read the official code
“Chickens must be kept in and confined in a properly designed and constructed coop or chicken house, or a fenced and covered enclosure that is at least four square feet per chicken in size, which additionally includes a run. Each covered coop and run combined shall be located in, and shall not cover more than 50% of, the rear yard of the lot.” source
“Up to six female chickens may only be kept on those lots with a property class code of 210, 215, 220, 240, 250, or substantially identical successor designations.” source
“Chickens may only be kept on those lots possessing a lot square footage of more than 2,000 square feet.” source
“Registration shall take place at the City of Ithaca Clerk's Office upon submission of a $35 registration fee, and verification of a completed chicken-keeping seminar.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →