Brookhaven, NY Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 85-892, 'Animals,' most recently amended in 2024, treats different species with different rules inside residential districts. Subsection E governs chickens directly: the housing or harboring of chickens is permitted in any residential zoning district subject to restrictions that roosters shall be prohibited, that owners may keep a maximum of six chickens on parcels of land measuring 20,000 square feet or less, and a maximum of 12 chickens on parcels of land measuring 20,001 square feet or more. Any coop or accessory structure used to house chickens must sit more than 10 feet from a side or rear lot line and is barred from the front yard, and Subsection E(3) clarifies that keeping chickens under this section is not treated as 'other agriculture' as defined elsewhere in the Code, so it does not trigger agricultural-use rules.

Other livestock get separate, stricter treatment in the same section. Subsection A requires a special permit from the Board of Appeals to house swine, goats, foxes or mink in any residence district. Subsection C allows horses or other equine livestock in residential districts only as an accessory use for residents, with no boarding or rental, on a lot of at least 40,000 square feet, capped at two horses per 40,000 square feet or major fraction and never more than eight total, with the barn or stable set back at least 50 feet from side and rear lines and corrals fenced at least five feet high. Subsection B sets a 50-foot lot-line setback for any accessory structure housing fowl other than chickens, or other domestic animals besides dogs and cats.