Can I keep chickens in Middletown?
Yes, with conditions — Middletown allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 300 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (§ 618.21, verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 300 ft |
| Coop rules | Effective prohibition via § 618.21: 300 ft setback from inhabited dwellings makes residential keeping impractical. Ordinance from 1987; appears unchanged. |
| Code section | § 618.21 |
Middletown restricts chickens via § 618.21 requiring 300-foot setback from inhabited dwellings. This distance requirement effectively prohibits residential chicken keeping.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Middletown?
Yes, with conditions — Middletown allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (§ 618.21).
How many chickens can I keep in Middletown?
It depends on your lot. 300-foot setback from dwellings. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Middletown?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Middletown.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Middletown?
300 feet minimum. Effective prohibition via § 618.21: 300 ft setback from inhabited dwellings makes residential keeping impractical. Ordinance from 1987; appears unchanged.
What law covers backyard chickens in Middletown?
§ 618.21. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 618.21 — read the official code
“No person shall raise, keep, maintain or harbor chickens...within 300 feet of an inhabited dwelling place” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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