Dreaming of raising chickens in Massachusetts? You probably can keep backyard hens—but the rules change a lot by town or city. This guide covers major places like Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Haverhill, North Andover, Watertown, Pittsfield, and Dracut in clear, simple English, with typical limits and license info.
Boston
- Up to **6 hens** allowed under Article 89 (urban agriculture zoning).
- **No roosters** permitted.
- Permit required—must apply through Board of Health.
- Coop must be in rear yard, enclosed, sanitary, under 8 ft tall, and coop/lot setbacks enforced.
- Flock must be for personal use—no on‑site slaughter or commercial egg sales.
Cambridge
- No set limit on hens, but permit is **mandatory**.
- **Roosters are strictly prohibited**.
- Application requires a site plan, manure and pest plans, abutter notification, and annual renewal.
- Keeps must maintain coop sanitation, pest control, and avoid unsanitary conditions.
Arlington
- Up to **6 hens** allowed in residential districts.
- **No roosters**.
- Permit required from the Board of Health.
- Henhouses and runs must be ≥ 25 ft from neighboring residences, and hens contained at all times.
Haverhill
- Up to **6 hens** allowed by permit application.
- Board of Health can approve; more than 6 hens requires hearing.
- **Roosters not permitted**, except in rare zones.
- Coop and run must meet health and setback standards.
North Andover
- Single- and two-family homes may keep up to **6 hens**; larger lots (≥3 ac) may have **3 hens per acre**.
- **No roosters** allowed.
- Coop space minimum **4 sq ft per hen** inside; enclosed run required.
- Coop and run must be screened from front yard (≥ 6 ft fence) and set back ≥ 40 ft from other residences.
Watertown
- Up to **6 hens** permitted.
- **No roosters allowed**.
- **Permit required** from Board of Health; $50 yearly application/inspection fee.
- Strict coop standards and annual inspection.
Pittsfield
- License required to keep chickens (City Clerk issues it).
- Maximum of **6 hens** per license.
- **Permit must be renewed yearly** — fee application $25, renewal $10.
- Coop must comply with shed/building code, setbacks and be pest‑ and odor‑controlled.
Dracut
- Allowed up to **one chicken per 4,000 ft² of area**.
- **Roosters are permitted**, though discouraged because of noise.
- Coop considered a “shed”—max 120 sq ft; at least 10 ft from lot lines; permits required.
- Secure fencing and compost/waste plan required.
Other Towns in Massachusetts
- **Brockton**: no official limit on hens, **no roosters**, permit required.
- **Lynn**: no set limit; must gather neighbor signatures; fines up to $1,000 per day for complaints.
- **New Bedford**: up to **7 hens** without permit; permit required for more; roosters banned.
- **Somerville**: up to **6 hens**, no roosters, permit required.
- **Worcester**: no official hen limit, but permit required; roosters prohibited.
- **Lowell**: chickens are **not allowed** under current residential zoning.
Common Themes Across Massachusetts
- Most towns limit hens to **6**, some allow more based on lot size.
- **Roosters are almost always banned** in residential districts.
- Permits or licenses are typical, often with annual renewal and fee.
- Coop must be in rear/side yard with adequate setbacks (usually 20–50 ft).
- Enclosures must be clean, ventilated, predator-proof, and waste managed.
- Chickens must be contained on your property—no roaming allowed.
- Most ordinances ban **egg sales or slaughter** on-site in residential zones.
Tips to Stay Legal and Neighborly
- Check your town’s bylaws or contact town clerk or Board of Health before getting chickens.
- If a permit is required, submit plans early with setbacks, coop size, and waste/pest plans.
- Let your neighbors know—especially edge cases like roof height or run size.
- Avoid keeping roosters unless your zoning explicitly allows them.
- Follow coop setback and enclosure standards carefully.
- Practice regular cleaning, feed storage, and composting/waste management.
- Register with the state poultry program if required or if selling eggs.
- Watch for nuisance complaints—noise and odors trigger enforcement.
Why These Rules Matter
These rules keep neighborhoods peaceful by limiting noise, odors, pests, and ensuring sanitation and safety. Setbacks prevent disagreement with neighbors. Permits and coop standards help towns manage public health and animal welfare. Together, these rules strike a balance between enjoying backyard hens and preserving community harmony.
Bottom Line
Massachusetts towns generally allow backyard hens—typically up to six with a permit—but some places allow more based on lot size, and roosters are nearly always forbidden. Boston, Somerville, Arlington, Watertown, and Cambridge require permits; many other towns follow similar patterns. A few towns like Lowell still ban chickens. If you tell me your city or town—or even your address—I can help check the most current local ordinance for your property.
