Boston allows backyard hens under the 2013 Urban Agriculture Article 89 zoning with a maximum of 6 hens, no roosters, and a 10-foot coop setback from property lines.
Boston Zoning Code Article 89 (Urban Agriculture, adopted 2013) legalized backyard chicken keeping on one- and two-family lots citywide. Residents may keep up to 6 hens; roosters are prohibited because of noise. The coop and run must be at least 10 feet from any property line and 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling. Coops must be enclosed, cleaned weekly, and manure composted or removed. No slaughter of birds is allowed on residential lots. Beekeeping up to 2 hives is separately allowed under Article 89 with similar setbacks. Larger livestock (goats, sheep, pigs) is prohibited on residential lots and allowed only on agricultural-zoned parcels, which are extremely rare in Boston.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how Boston's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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