Thinking about raising chickens in Rhode Island? Here’s everything you need to know—from how state prerogatives set the stage, to the varying rules across towns like Cranston, Providence, Barrington, and more. This guide is packed with details to help you navigate regulations, understand what’s allowed, and plan a coop that’s both legal and neighbor-friendly.
1. Statewide Foundation: Local Control, Always
There is no overarching Rhode Island law permitting or prohibiting backyard chickens. The state lets cities and towns set their own rules—meaning your legal ability to keep hens depends entirely on local regulations. In other words, even with a strong backyard chicken trend, you must check your specific municipality before planting a coop.
2. Cranston: A Clear, Allowing Code
Cranston stands out for having one of the most detailed and permissive ordinances:
- Allows 1 hen per 800 sq ft of lot, up to a maximum of 10 hens. Roosters are banned.
- Coops must sit in the side or rear yard and not be attached to shared fences.
- Coop construction mandates:
- Predator-resistant, ventilated housing with flooring and hardware cloth buried 12″ deep.
- Minimum 2 sq ft per chicken inside the coop.
- Run must be fully enclosed (sides and top), safely built and sanitary, with composted manure.
- Feed must be stored securely. Hens must be confined between sunset and sunrise. Private restrictions (like HOA rules) still override the code.
This ordinance balances support for backyard birds with robust safety and sanitation standards. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
3. Providence: Limited and Lot-Based
Providence allows up to six hens, with one hen permitted for every 800 sq ft of lot area. Roosters are prohibited, and coops and fencing are required—but specific coop standards like in Cranston are not codified. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
4. Barrington: Permits, Height, Aesthetics
In Barrington, you can keep up to six hens (no roosters), but with conditions:
- Coops must not exceed eight feet in height or 64 sq ft in area.
- They must be ventilated, safe, clean, and located with proper setbacks.
- A registration or permit is required, and coops must be used only for personal egg gathering. Commercial slaughter is off-limits. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
5. Cumberland & Hopkinton: Clear Permissions With Restrictions
- Cumberland: Up to five hens are allowed per single-family property. Roosters aren’t permitted. Coops must maintain a 25 ft setback from the property line. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Hopkinton: Chickens are allowed if kept in a predator-proof, ventilated coop offering at least 2 sq ft per bird, and confined to proper enclosures. Hens must be locked in at night, and feed stored securely. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
6. Where Chickens Are Not Allowed
- Central Falls, East Providence, and North Providence: Backyard chickens are prohibited. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Pawtucket: Raising chickens or other fowl is not permitted under the city code—without special permission. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
7. Other Towns: Partial Allowances or Case-by-Case
- Warren: Up to six hens allowed (no roosters) outside certain zones, with 800 sq ft per hen required and a 20 ft setback. Coops must be clean and approved via permit with annual fee. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Westerly: Chickens are permitted in proper zoning, with no more than 35 animals. Coops must be 100 ft from neighboring residences. Fines for violations apply. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Woonsocket: Up to five hens allowed in select zones, with similar 800 sq ft and permit requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
8. Dealing with Neighbor Disputes: Nuisance Claims
In towns without clear ordinances, neighbors can still pursue legal action if poultry causes damage or nuisance. Rhode Island law allows residents to bring nuisance claims in court if birds are harming property or disturbing peaceful use. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
9. Local Summaries at a Glance
| Town | Hens Allowed | Roosters | Key Coop Rules | Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston | 1 per 800 sq ft up to 10 | No | Ventilated, predator-proof coop; 2 sq ft per chicken; buried hardware cloth | No |
| Providence | 1 per 800 sq ft up to 6 | No | Coop and fenced run required | Maybe |
| Barrington | 6 hens | No | Max 8 ft tall; 64 sq ft; clean & ventilated | Yes |
| Cumberland | 5 hens | No | 25 ft setback | Maybe |
| Hopkinton | Yes | No | 2 sq ft, predator-proof, lockers at night | Maybe |
| Warren | 6 hens | No | 800 sq ft/hen, 20 ft setback | Yes |
| Westerly | Up to 35 animals | No | 100 ft setback | Maybe |
| Woonsocket | 5 hens | No | 800 sq ft/hen | Yes |
| Central Falls / East Prov / North Prov | None | N/A | Not allowed | N/A |
| Pawtucket | None | N/A | Not allowed unless special exception | Yes |
10. Planning Your Setup: Best Practices for Rhode Island Homeowners
- Talk to your town’s planning or zoning department—verify if you can legally keep chickens, hens limits, and whether a permit is required.
- Review your property’s lot size to establish how many hens you can keep under local “per 800 sq ft” rules.
- Design a compliant coop—ensure predator-proof design, proper ventilation, and sanitation following local guidelines (especially detailed in Cranston).
- Avoid roosters—they’re broadly prohibited due to noise. Follow that rule to the letter.
- Respect setbacks—keep your coop away from property lines and public thoroughfares.
- Consider permitting upfront—even if optional; registering or getting approval can protect you from neighbor complaints.
- Keep the coop clean and tidy—regular maintenance is crucial for both bird health and community peace.
- Engage neighbors proactively—sharing eggs or coop plans can build goodwill and ward off complaints.
- Use court remedies if needed—if a neighbor’s birds become a nuisance, a civil claim may be the path to resolution. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
11. Final Thoughts
Rhode Island’s chicken laws are a patchwork—each town has its own flavor. Cranston and Barrington offer clearly structured, legal frameworks. Providence, Warren, and others provide moderate permissions, while places like Pawtucket and Central Falls forbid chickens outright. If you’re looking to raise hens, study your local code closely, design thoughtfully, and lean into community collaboration. With care—and the right approvals—you can enjoy fresh eggs and feathered companionship downtown or in the suburbs of the Ocean State.