Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
NYC Health Code §161.01 (Title 24 Rules of the City of New York) allows backyard hens as legal companion animals in Brooklyn. However, roosters are banned due to noise concerns. The Health Code prohibits keeping ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons (except in licensed coops), goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and other livestock on residential property. Coops must be kept clean, rodent-proof, and at least 25 feet from any dwelling or property line per Department of Health guidance. There is no cap on hen numbers, but complaints of odor or sanitation issues can trigger enforcement by DOHMH. Slaughtering animals on residential property is prohibited.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn street trees are city property; trimming requires a free NYC Parks permit and must be performed by a licensed arborist under NYC Admin Code §18-129.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn property owners must maintain yards so grass and weeds do not exceed 10 inches or create rat harborage under NYC Admin Code §17-142 and §16-118.
Kings County, NY
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Brooklyn; NYC DEP offers free rain barrels through its giveaway program for non-potable outdoor use.
See how Kings County's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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