Can I keep chickens in Rochester, NY?
Yes, with conditions — Rochester allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 30 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§ 30-19, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 30 |
| Permit required | Yes ($75) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Each fowl needs at least 4 sq ft of coop floor space plus 4 sq ft of runway; up to 30 fowl per 240 sq ft of open area; coops/runways at least 25 ft from any dwelling; no fowl kept in a cellar/dwelling; raising fowl for sale is prohibited. |
| Code section | § 30-19 |
Rochester allows keeping fowl (including chickens) only under a license issued by the Chief of Police ($75 for an up-to-two-year term). Each fowl requires at least 4 sq ft of coop space plus a 4 sq ft runway, coops must be 25 ft from any dwelling, and no more than 30 fowl may be kept per 240 sq ft. Male fowl over four months may be ordered removed once declared a nuisance, and raising fowl for sale is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Rochester?
Yes, with conditions — Rochester allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (§ 30-19).
How many chickens can I keep in Rochester?
Up to 30 hens. Code regulates 'fowl' generically (max 30 per 240 sq ft open area, 4 sq ft coop + 4 sq ft runway each), not a hen-specific count. A license from the Chief of Police is required; roosters are not banned outright but a male fowl over 4 months can be ordered removed after a nuisance complaint.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Rochester?
Yes — Rochester requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $75).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Rochester?
25 feet minimum. Each fowl needs at least 4 sq ft of coop floor space plus 4 sq ft of runway; up to 30 fowl per 240 sq ft of open area; coops/runways at least 25 ft from any dwelling; no fowl kept in a cellar/dwelling; raising fowl for sale is prohibited.
What law covers backyard chickens in Rochester?
§ 30-19. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 30-19 — read the official code
“Each fowl shall have at least four square feet of floor space when kept in a coop and shall have at least four square feet of space in addition thereto as and for a runway.” source
“Not more than 30 fowl may be kept in an open area of 240 square feet.” source
“The Chief of Police shall require the fee of $75 for each license issued... which shall have a term of up to two years...” source
“No person, firm, association or corporation shall... keep... in the City of Rochester any chickens, geese, ducks, doves or pigeons, turkeys or other animals or fowls, except persons holding a poulterer's license, without having a license therefor issued by the Chief of Police.” 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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