Can I keep chickens in West Warwick, RI?
Yes — West Warwick allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Ch. 4 Animals Sec. 4-24.1 (Keeping of Hens) (Ord. No. 2012-6), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-resistant, well-ventilated; min 2 sq ft per hen; permeable surface; kept clean and sanitary; manure composted in enclosed bins; feed in covered containers; hens confined 9 PM to 8 AM; residential districts only; owner must reside on lot |
| Code section | Ch. 4 Animals Sec. 4-24.1 (Keeping of Hens) (Ord. No. 2012-6) |
Hens may be kept in Residential Districts only by the owner of the lot who resides on the premises. Maximum 12 hens per lot. Roosters are prohibited. The hen house must be covered, predator-resistant, and well-ventilated with minimum 2 sq ft per hen. Hens must be confined between 9 PM and 8 AM. Manure must be composted in enclosed bins.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in West Warwick?
Yes — chickens are allowed in West Warwick (Ch. 4 Animals Sec. 4-24.1 (Keeping of Hens) (Ord. No. 2012-6)).
How many chickens can I keep in West Warwick?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in West Warwick?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in West Warwick.
Are roosters allowed in West Warwick?
No — roosters are prohibited in West Warwick.
What law covers backyard chickens in West Warwick?
Ch. 4 Animals Sec. 4-24.1 (Keeping of Hens) (Ord. No. 2012-6). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 4 Animals Sec. 4-24.1 (Keeping of Hens) (Ord. No. 2012-6) — read the official code
“Section 4-24.1. Keeping of hens. (a) No more than 12 hens shall be kept per lot... (a)(3) No roosters shall be kept on the lot... (a)(4) The hen house shall be covered and predator resistant and well ventilated; have a minimum of two square feet per hen... (b) Hens shall be confined to the hen house between the hours of 9:00 pm and 8:00 am.” 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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