Can I keep chickens in Pawtucket, RI?
No — Pawtucket does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 116, Art. III, Secs. 116-8 and 116-8.1 (Keeping of Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 116, Art. III, Secs. 116-8 and 116-8.1 (Keeping of Animals) |
Pawtucket prohibits raising or breeding any animals by ordinance, and separately bans keeping fowl, geese, ducks, and other poultry in any dwelling or within the city except under special conditions set by the Animal Control Officer. A 2013 City Council vote defeated a proposal to allow up to 6 hens 5-2.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Pawtucket?
No — chickens are not allowed in Pawtucket (Code of Ordinances Ch. 116, Art. III, Secs. 116-8 and 116-8.1 (Keeping of Animals)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Pawtucket?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 116, Art. III, Secs. 116-8 and 116-8.1 (Keeping of Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 116, Art. III, Secs. 116-8 and 116-8.1 (Keeping of Animals) — read the official code
“Sec. 116-8: The raising or breeding of any animals is prohibited in the City by the Pawtucket Zoning Ordinance. Sec. 116-8.1: No owner or keeper or occupant of any dwelling shall keep or permit to be kept any sheep, hogs, goats, cattle, horses, geese, ducks, rabbits or other fowl in any dwelling house, cellar or garage, or shall have any such animals kept within the City except under such special conditions as may be prescribed by the Animal Control Officer” source
“Members of the Pawtucket City Council will consider the proposed rules changes... Under the proposal, only one chicken hen could be kept per 800 square feet of property, with a maximum of six chicken hens on any lot.” 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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