Bethel, CT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

' A Zoning Permit is required, and the number of birds a lot may hold scales with the zoning district: R-80 Zone lots may keep 10 birds, R-40 Zone lots 8 birds, R-30 Zone lots 6 birds, and R-20 Zone lots 4 birds. The regulation is explicit that roosters are not allowed anywhere in town, regardless of district or bird count. Every flock must be housed in a covered predator-proof structure with access to a fenced outdoor enclosure, and the enclosure has to meet the accessory-structure setback for its zone and sit to the rear of the main dwelling.

Farms of 5 acres or more are carved out of the permit and density scheme entirely: no permit is required and there is no cap on birds. The same subsection separately bans keeping swine and raising fur-bearing animals for commercial purposes, and requires manure or dust-producing fertilizer to stay at least 100 feet from any property line, with disposal subject to Public Health Code rules. Keeping chickens on a lot with a septic system or septic reserve area additionally needs Health Department sign-off. A homeowner planning a coop should apply for the Zoning Permit before building, confirm the district's bird cap, and site the enclosure to satisfy both the setback and rear-yard placement requirements before buying birds.