Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Maine? The state doesn’t have one single law—each town or city writes its own rules. Most urban places limit hens to about six, ban roosters, require permits, and enforce coop setbacks. Rural towns often allow more birds and sometimes permit roosters. This guide covers many Maine municipalities in clear, simple English.
Portland (Cumberland County)
- Up to **6 hens** per lot; **no roosters** allowed.
- Annual permit required from city planning or code enforcement.
- Coop must be in rear yard, ≥ 25 ft from property lines or neighbor dwellings.
- Henhouse must be predator-proof, sanitary, well‑ventilated, odor‑free.
- Chickens must be enclosed during daylight, secured at night.
South Portland & Westbrook (Cumberland County)
- Rules similar to Portland.
- South Portland limits to 6 hens; coop setbacks about 20‑25 ft; permit needed.
- Westbrook allows 6–10 hens depending on lot size; similar setback and sanitation standards.
Biddeford & Saco (York County)
- Permit required for backyard chickens.
- Up to **6 hens**, **no roosters**.
- Coop must be in rear yard, ≥ 10‑25 ft from property lines per town code.
- No selling eggs or slaughtering on site; coop clean and odor-free.
Augusta & Waterville (Kennebec County)
- Up to **6 hens** allowed, roosters prohibited.
- Permit may be required depending on zoning.
- Coop must be at least 25 ft from property lines or dwellings.
- Enclosure must be clean, enclosed, predator‑proof, and odor‑free.
Lewiston & Auburn (Androscoggin County)
- Up to **6 hens** per lot, **roosters are banned**.
- Permit may be required; coop must be at least 20‑25 ft from property lines or homes.
- Chickens must stay in enclosed coop/pen; no commercial sales or slaughter allowed.
Bangor (Penobscot County)
- Chickens are allowed only in **rural and agricultural zones** within city limits; prohibited elsewhere.
- In allowed zones, up to **6 hens**, **no roosters**.
- Coops must be set back 25 ft from lot lines; enclosed and sanitary.
- No permit required for personal flocks.
Belfast (Waldo County)
- Up to **6 hens per lot**, only female chickens allowed.
- Permit required and coop must meet zoning standards.
- Henhouse in rear or side yard only, ≥ 10 ft from lot lines.
- No commercial egg sales or on-site slaughter permitted.
Scarborough (Cumberland County)
- Lots under 10,000 ft²: up to **5 hens**; lots ≥10,000 and <40,000 ft²: **10 hens**; lots ≥40,000 ft²: **unlimited**.
- Roosters are not permitted.
- Coops must be ≥ 15 ft from property lines, enclosed and clean.
Auburn (Androscoggin County)
- Lots under 0.49 ac: up to 6 hens; ≥ 0.50 ac: up to 12 hens; max 36 hens per lot.
- Roosters prohibited.
- Enclosures in rear or side yard; coop permit required for new coop.
- No commercial use; odor and noise controls enforced.
Other Maine Towns
Many smaller towns follow one of two models:
- Urban towns: up to 6 hens, no roosters, coop setbacks 20–25 ft, permit often required.
- Rural towns: allow up to 12 hens (sometimes more on larger lots), roosters allowed, fewer permit rules, coop setbacks 20–50 ft, minimal enforcement under nuisance standards.
Common Rules Across Maine
- Hens are commonly limited to 6 in towns; rural flocks may be larger.
- Roosters are nearly always banned in urban areas.
- Coops must be contained, predator‑proof, sanitary, and odor‑free.
- Setbacks typically between 10 and 25 ft from property lines or dwellings.
- Only female birds allowed in most cities; no egg sales or slaughtering at home.
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check your town’s current ordinance—rules vary widely by municipality.
- Contact code enforcement or planning office before building a coop or buying hens.
- Avoid roosters unless you live in a rural/agricultural zone where they’re allowed.
- Follow coop setbacks and enclosure requirements carefully.
- Maintain clean and secure housing; store feed properly and manage waste.
- Inspect neighbors’ reactions; noise or odor complaints often lead to enforcement.
Why These Rules Matter
These regulations help prevent neighborhood conflicts—reducing noise, odor, pests, and health risks. Setbacks keep coops from encroaching on other yards. Permit systems and coop standards help ensure that chicken keeping stays safe and clean. Together, these rules balance the right to raise food at home with community well‑being.
Bottom Line
In Maine, backyard hens are widely allowed—but rules depend on the town or city. Urban areas like Portland, Lewiston, and Saco limit hens to six and prohibit roosters, enforce setbacks, and often require permits. Rural towns are more flexible, sometimes allowing larger flocks and roosters, with fewer regulations. If you let me know your specific town or address, I can help check the exact current ordinance where you live.