In Vermont, there is no statewide chicken‑keeping law. Instead, each town or city sets its own rules. That means your ability to keep chickens depends on local ordinances. Here’s an easy‑to‑read guide in simple English, covering common rules and examples from select Vermont towns.
Common Rules across Vermont Towns
- Only female chickens (hens) are allowed in nearly all ordinances.
- Most towns limit hens to six per lot, though some towns allow more depending on acreage.
- A permit or registration is often required, usually with a fee around $10–$20 annually.
- Chickens must be kept in enclosures or pens at all times—no free‑roaming.
- Coops/enclosures must be predator‑ and rodent‑proof, clean, and odor‑free.
- Setbacks are common—henhouses usually must sit 20–50 feet from property lines or neighbor dwellings.
- Chickens must not bother neighbors with noise or smell.
- Chicken keeping must be non‑commercial—no egg sales, breeding, or fertilizer production for profit.
- Violations may result in fines (often $25 per day), permit revocation, or removal of chickens.
South Burlington (Chittenden County)
Residents may keep up to six hens per lot. Only hens—no roosters. You must get an annual permit ($20 first year, $10 renewal), and submit a site plan showing coop placement. Chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure or pen at all times. Henhouses must be no larger than 30 sq ft and set back at least 20 ft from property lines (or 5 ft with neighbor’s written permission). Coops and pens must stay in the rear yard. Odor and noise must not reach neighboring lots. A motion‑activated light is required at the henhouse.»
Williston (Chittenden County)
This town allows six hens per lot up to two acres, and more hens if your lot is larger (up to 24 on lots over 10 acres). Only hens—no roosters. A permit is required ($20, $10 renewal), and must be posted visibly for 15 days after issuance. Chicken areas must meet setbacks, be secure and clean, and manure must be stored or composted properly. Violations trigger escalating penalties—from $100 up to $400 per day.
Essex Junction (Chittenden County)
Townspeople may keep up to four hens per lot. Only hens—no roosters. Permit required before starting. Coops or pens must be at least 10–15 ft from lot lines and dwellings, and must not exceed 50 sq ft total. Birds must be housed at night and enclosure kept sanitary and screened from public view. Odor and noise must not affect neighbors.
Rutland City (Rutland County)
Chickens are allowed mainly on agricultural‑zoned or unplatted land. In Proctor (near Rutland), residents may keep up to twelve hens per property. Roosters are banned under noise provisions. Permits may be required, and coops are subject to setbacks and sanitation rules.
Burlington (Chittenden County)
You may keep chickens, rabbits, or goats for personal or even commercial use. The city permits hens if your coop and run meet code requirements. Roosters are not allowed except with a special permit. Applicants must follow zoning and inspection rules before starting. Every building and yard must meet cleanliness and safety standards.
Brattleboro (Windham County)
The town allows backyard chickens with town approval. No fixed limit on hens seems listed, but roosters are restricted by noise rules. Property owners must submit site plans and meet town standards for coop location, setbacks, and sanitation.
Other Counties & Towns
In other areas (Bennington, Windsor, Windham, Essex, Franklin, Addison, Orleans, Caledonia, Orange), rules differ by specific town:
- Bennington County: Hens are permitted; check with the town where you live.
- Franklin County: Large lots (over 1.5 acres) may allow up to 12 hens without a permit; smaller lots require town approval.
- Grand Isle County: Most towns allow hens if enclosed and kept away from neighbors.
- Lamoille, Orange, Orleans counties: Regulations depend on town zoning and local ordinance.
Each town’s planning or zoning office is the best place to find current rules.
Checklist Before You Keep Chickens in Vermont
- Confirm whether chickens are allowed in your town or city.
- Check how many hens are permitted per lot.
- Verify whether roosters are banned unless large acreage.
- Ask if a permit or license is required and how much it costs.
- Submit a site plan showing placement of coop and run.
- Follow setback requirements from property lines or neighbor homes.
- Build secure, predator‑proof coops or pens with sufficient ventilation.
- Meet space requirements—henhouses typically limited to 30–50 sq ft.
- Store feed safely and manage manure to avoid odor or runoff.
- Keep enclosure conditions sanitary and odor‑free.
- Comply with noise and odor limits so neighbors stay happy.
- Follow enforcement rules; fines escalate if ignored.
Why These Rules Matter
Local rules balance health, hygiene, and neighborhood harmony. Predator‑proof enclosures prevent vermin and escape. Setbacks reduce noise or smell for neighbors. Permit systems allow zoning or animal control staff to inspect and enforce. Limits on hens and bans on roosters reduce disturbance. Written manure plans and odor‑free storage protect water and community quality. These requirements ensure backyard flocks are welcomed rather than a nuisance.
Conclusion
Keeping backyard hens in Vermont is doable, but only where local ordinances allow it. Towns like South Burlington, Williston, Essex Junction, Burlington, and Brattleboro have clear rules and guidelines. Many smaller towns may allow hens too—just check with town or zoning offices before you begin. If you follow local rules, maintain sanitary conditions, and respect neighbors, you can enjoy raising chickens in the right way.
Good luck starting your Vermont flock and may your eggs be plentiful and legal!