Can I keep chickens in Williston, VT?
No — Williston does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Williston Zoning Bylaw — chickens classified as livestock; livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Williston Zoning Bylaw — chickens classified as livestock; livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre |
Williston classifies chickens as livestock in its zoning bylaw, prohibiting them on lots smaller than 1 acre (43,560 sq ft). A 2023 selectboard proposal to allow up to 12 hens on smaller residential lots was rejected. Vermont H.941 (passed Legislature May 21, 2026, pending Governor signature as of June 2026) would require municipalities to allow up to 12 hens and may override Williston's sub-acre ban if signed into law.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Williston?
No — chickens are not allowed in Williston (Williston Zoning Bylaw — chickens classified as livestock; livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre).
What law covers backyard chickens in Williston?
Williston Zoning Bylaw — chickens classified as livestock; livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Williston Zoning Bylaw — chickens classified as livestock; livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre — read the official code
“Williston classifies chickens as livestock in its zoning bylaw. The selectboard rejected a 2023 proposal to allow up to 12 hens on lots smaller than 1 acre (VTDigger reporting, 2023).” source
“Livestock prohibited on lots under 1 acre per Williston Zoning Bylaw.” 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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