Can I keep chickens in White Plains, NY?
Yes — White Plains allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4, verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | No more than 6 fowl without a permit on lots up to 5,000 sq ft; on larger lots, a Building Commissioner permit ($150 fee) allows one additional bird per 500 sq ft of lot area over 5,000 sq ft, or is required to keep fowl on a separate parcel from the residence. Coops must be 20 ft from any occupied main structure (not the owner's), 10 ft from side/rear lot lines, and never in the front yard. Coop min 2 sq ft/bird with a predator-proof outdoor enclosure. |
| Code section | White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4 |
White Plains allows up to 6 fowl (chickens, turkeys, or ducks) without a permit on typical residential lots, with a 20-foot setback from neighboring structures. Larger lots (over 5,000 sq ft) can get a city permit for more birds — one extra per 500 sq ft of additional lot area. The code defines 'rooster' but never actually prohibits keeping one; roosters count toward the 6-bird cap like any other fowl.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in White Plains?
Yes — chickens are allowed in White Plains (White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4).
How many chickens can I keep in White Plains?
Up to 6 hens. 6 hens on lots of 5,000+ sq ft, +1 per 500 sq ft above 500.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in White Plains?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in White Plains.
Are roosters allowed in White Plains?
Yes, with conditions — see White Plains's rules (White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in White Plains?
20 feet minimum. No more than 6 fowl without a permit on lots up to 5,000 sq ft; on larger lots, a Building Commissioner permit ($150 fee) allows one additional bird per 500 sq ft of lot area over 5,000 sq ft, or is required to keep fowl on a separate parcel from the residence. Coops must be 20 ft from any occupied main structure (not the owner's), 10 ft from side/rear lot lines, and never in the front yard. Coop min 2 sq ft/bird with a predator-proof outdoor enclosure.
What law covers backyard chickens in White Plains?
White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
White Plains City Code Sec. 5-2-1 to 5-2-7 (Keeping of Fowl); permit expansion at Sec. 5-2-4 — read the official code
“Fowl shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof coop that is well ventilated and designed to be easily accessed for cleaning. The coop shall allow at least two square feet per bird. Fowl shall have access to an outdoor enclosure that is adequately fenced to contain the birds on the property and to prevent access from predators.” source
“seeking to keep or maintain more than 6 Fowl on a lot over 5,000 square feet or more in size. An applicant can request an additional bird per 500 feet of lot area over 5,000 square feet” source
“No more than six (6) Fowl shall be kept at a single or two-family dwelling, except on lots over 5,000 square feet in accordance with Section 5-2-4.” source
“No more than six (6) Fowl shall be kept at a single or two-family dwelling, except on lots over 5,000 square feet in accordance with Section 5-2-4.” source
Last verified September 27, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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