Can I keep chickens in Bristol?
It's unclear — Bristol's code does not clearly address backyard chickens; confirm with the city. (Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Unclear |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Coop rules | Status unclear. Proposed ordinance (6 hens, no roosters) was denied in 2024. |
| Code section | Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified) |
Bristol has no codified framework permitting backyard hens; a proposed 6-hen ordinance was denied in 2024. Codified Chapter 10 (Animals), current through Ord. 25-21 (Oct 2025), addresses general animal welfare and dogs/cats only, with no poultry provisions. Ordinance No. 25-26, adopted December 2, 2025 (not yet codified), regulates the keeping of roosters, peafowl, and guinea fowl. Backyard-hen status remains unresolved.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bristol?
It's unclear — Bristol's code does not clearly address chickens; contact the city (Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bristol?
It depends on your lot. Proposed ordinance denied 2024.
Are roosters allowed in Bristol?
Yes, with conditions — see Bristol's rules (Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Bristol?
Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 10 - Animals, Article I (In General); Ord. No. 25-26 (adopted 12/2/25, uncodified) — read the official code
“Ordinance No. 25-26, Adopted 12/2/25 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10 (ANIMALS), ARTICLE I (IN GENERAL) TO REGULATE THE KEEPING OF ROOSTERS, PEAFOWL, AND GUINEA FOWL WITHIN THE CITY OF BRISTOL” source
“Chapter 10 - ANIMALS. Article I - In General; Article II - Dogs and Cats. No poultry provisions in the codified chapter.” source
Last verified July 6, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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