Can I keep chickens in New Rochelle, NY?
Yes, with conditions — New Rochelle allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code Ch. 89 (Animals), Art. VII Farm Animals, § 89-18, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 87,120 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Chickens are regulated as 'farm animals' (avian species): a parcel of at least 2 acres is required, with at least 1 acre per animal and at least 50 ft from an adjacent residential property line. |
| Code section | Code Ch. 89 (Animals), Art. VII Farm Animals, § 89-18 |
New Rochelle regulates chickens as 'farm animals' (avian species) under Code Ch. 89, Art. VII, § 89-18. It is unlawful to keep a farm animal on a parcel of less than two acres, with not less than one acre of land per animal, and not less than 50 feet from an adjacent residential property line. On standard residential lots this operates as an effective ban; only parcels of 2+ acres (about 87,120 sq ft) with 1 acre per bird and a 50-ft setback qualify.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in New Rochelle?
Yes, with conditions — New Rochelle allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code Ch. 89 (Animals), Art. VII Farm Animals, § 89-18).
How many chickens can I keep in New Rochelle?
It depends on your lot. Avian 'farm animals' permitted only on parcels of 2+ acres, with at least 1 acre of land per animal and 50-ft setback from adjacent residential property (effective ban on standard lots).. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in New Rochelle?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in New Rochelle.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in New Rochelle?
50 feet minimum. Chickens are regulated as 'farm animals' (avian species): a parcel of at least 2 acres is required, with at least 1 acre per animal and at least 50 ft from an adjacent residential property line.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in New Rochelle?
Yes — 87,120 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in New Rochelle?
Code Ch. 89 (Animals), Art. VII Farm Animals, § 89-18. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code Ch. 89 (Animals), Art. VII Farm Animals, § 89-18 — read the official code
“Article VII Farm Animals [Adopted 12-14-1999 by Ord. No. 290-1999] ... § 89-18 Regulations.” source
“No person shall keep, permit, harbor or raise a farm animal including but not limited to those of the equine, swine, bovine, ruminant and avian species, on a parcel of land comprising less than two acres with not less than one acre of land for each such animal and not less than 50 feet from the property line of an adjacent residential property within the jurisdiction of the City of New Rochelle” 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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