Can I keep chickens in North Tonawanda, NY?
Yes, with conditions — North Tonawanda allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (North Tonawanda City Code Ch. 57 (Livestock), § 57-3, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop + fenced outdoor enclosure required; coop min. 2 sq ft per hen, total coop/cage area max 32 sq ft for up to 5 hens, max 7 ft height; rear/backyard only; coop >=20 ft from any door/window of another dwelling/school/church, >=5 ft from side lot line, >=18 in from rear lot line; feed in rat-proof containers. |
| Code section | North Tonawanda City Code Ch. 57 (Livestock), § 57-3 |
North Tonawanda (Niagara County) generally bans livestock and poultry but carves out an exception allowing up to five chicken hens per single- or multi-family dwelling, with no roosters, kept in the rear/backyard for personal use only. A City Clerk/Treasurer permit ($25 annual fee) plus building-inspector coop approval is required, and neighbor and tenant consents are mandatory, which makes approval conditional. Slaughtering of hens is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in North Tonawanda?
Yes, with conditions — North Tonawanda allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (North Tonawanda City Code Ch. 57 (Livestock), § 57-3).
How many chickens can I keep in North Tonawanda?
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 North Tonawanda?
Yes — North Tonawanda requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in North Tonawanda?
No — roosters are prohibited in North Tonawanda.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in North Tonawanda?
20 feet minimum. Coop + fenced outdoor enclosure required; coop min. 2 sq ft per hen, total coop/cage area max 32 sq ft for up to 5 hens, max 7 ft height; rear/backyard only; coop >=20 ft from any door/window of another dwelling/school/church, >=5 ft from side lot line, >=18 in from rear lot line; feed in rat-proof containers.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in North Tonawanda?
No — slaughter is not permitted under North Tonawanda's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in North Tonawanda?
North Tonawanda City Code Ch. 57 (Livestock), § 57-3. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
North Tonawanda City Code Ch. 57 (Livestock), § 57-3 — read the official code
“No chicken hens shall be allowed without the express written consent of all residents residing on property adjacent to that of the applicant.” source
“The chicken coop shall be a covered, predator-resistant, well-ventilated structure providing a minimum of two square feet per chicken hen. ... The total area of all coops or cages on a lot shall not be greater than 32 square feet for up to five chicken hens. Coops and cages, singly or in combination, shall not exceed seven feet in height.” 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 North Tonawanda must obtain a permit from the office of the City Clerk/Treasurer after payment of an annual fee of $25, and after inspection and approval of the coop and cage that chicken hens are to be kept in by the Building Inspector.” 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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