Can I keep chickens in Newport, RI?
Yes — Newport allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Code Sec. 17.100.120 (Keeping of Livestock and Poultry); cross-ref Secs. 17.100.130(H) and (J), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | Hen house plus fenced outdoor enclosure required; hens confined 9 PM to 8 AM; coop approximately 20 ft from neighboring dwellings |
| Code section | Zoning Code Sec. 17.100.120 (Keeping of Livestock and Poultry); cross-ref Secs. 17.100.130(H) and (J) |
Newport allows up to 6 hens (1 per 800 sq ft of lot area) under Sec. 17.100.120, which replaced the previous 3-acre minimum lot requirement. Annual registration with Animal Control is required at $25 per year. Roosters are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Newport?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Newport (Zoning Code Sec. 17.100.120 (Keeping of Livestock and Poultry); cross-ref Secs. 17.100.130(H) and (J)).
How many chickens can I keep in Newport?
Up to 6 hens. 1 hen per 800 sq ft of lot area, max 6.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Newport?
Yes — Newport requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Newport?
No — roosters are prohibited in Newport.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Newport?
20 feet minimum. Hen house plus fenced outdoor enclosure required; hens confined 9 PM to 8 AM; coop approximately 20 ft from neighboring dwellings
What law covers backyard chickens in Newport?
Zoning Code Sec. 17.100.120 (Keeping of Livestock and Poultry); cross-ref Secs. 17.100.130(H) and (J). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Code Sec. 17.100.120 (Keeping of Livestock and Poultry); cross-ref Secs. 17.100.130(H) and (J) — read the official code
“1 hen per 800 square feet of their total lot or up to a maximum of six hens” source
“Sec. 17.100.120 - Keeping of livestock and poultry ... except as may be otherwise provided for under Sections 17.100.130(H) and 17.100.130(J) for the keeping of chicken hens” source
“Annual registration with the animal control officer required; $25 fee” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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