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

Town of Irondequoit Code § 235-70A bars the raising, harboring or housing of pigeons, swine, goats, rabbits, cows, horses, poultry, foxes, mink, skunks or any fur-bearing animals in any residential district unless application is made to, and a special use permit is granted by, the Board of Appeals. The ban reaches both the lot and any structure erected, maintained or used for the animals, so a backyard coop is covered. The Board attaches terms and conditions suited to the particular case.

Subsection B lists what the Board weighs: any danger to neighboring property, noise or offensive emission of odors or fumes, any detriment to the health, safety, morals or general welfare of the community, and whether the use is appropriate to the particular location. Under § 235-101D, the Board grants a special use permit only after due public notice and a public hearing, following the same procedure as a variance application. A granted permit becomes null and void unless exercised within one year of the date the decision becomes final, though the Director of Planning and Zoning can extend that time for good cause shown.

The farm exception is narrow. Subsection B says nothing prohibits raising or harboring domestic animals or poultry on any farm in the Town of Irondequoit as defined in § 235-4. That definition is any parcel of land in excess of three acres used for gain in the raising of agricultural products, livestock, poultry or dairy products, and it excludes the raising of fur-bearing animals, livery or boarding stables, dog kennels, and livestock and poultry raised exclusively for sale and slaughter and fed principally with products bought in the open market.

Dogs and cats are not covered here. Section 235-73 sets a separate limit of two dogs or three cats per dwelling unit in residential districts.