Can I keep chickens in New York City, NY?
Yes — New York City allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (24 RCNY Health Code § 161.19, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Hens must be kept in a secure enclosure; no number limit set by Health Code. Agriculture (incl. keeping hens) allowed in all residential districts (Use Group 4B). |
| Code section | 24 RCNY Health Code § 161.19 |
Hens are legal to keep citywide in New York City with no permit, no fee, and no numerical limit. Roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys are prohibited (except in authorized slaughterhouses). Agricultural uses including keeping hens are permitted in all residential zoning districts.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in New York City?
Yes — chickens are allowed in New York City (24 RCNY Health Code § 161.19).
How many chickens can I keep in New York City?
New York City sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in New York City?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in New York City.
Are roosters allowed in New York City?
No — roosters are prohibited in New York City.
What law covers backyard chickens in New York City?
24 RCNY Health Code § 161.19. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
24 RCNY Health Code § 161.19 — read the official code
“Yes. Rules about keeping chickens and other animals are contained in NYC Health Code, Article 161.19. Although hens are permitted, roosters and other birds and fowl are not permitted, including geese, ducks, and turkeys.” source
“Agricultural uses are listed as Use Group 4B, which are allowed in all residential zoning districts (R1-R10)... Although hens are permitted, roosters and other birds and fowl are not permitted.” source
“No person shall keep a live rooster, duck, goose or turkey in the City of New York except (1) in a slaughterhouse authorized by federal or state law... or (2) as authorized by 24 RCNY Health Code § 161.01(a).” 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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