New Haven, CT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hens
- 6 per property
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Enclosure size
- 200 sq ft max
- Setback from dwellings
- 15 feet
- Eligible districts
- RS-1, RS-2, RM-1, RM-2
Summary
New Haven allows up to six hens as an accessory use in the RS-1, RS-2, RM-1, and RM-2 districts, with enclosure size, setback, coop, and no-rooster requirements under Section 34.
(b) No more than six (6) hens may be kept on any property located in the following residence zoning districts as a non-commercial accessory use: RM-2, RS-1, RS-2, RM-1. (c) The use shall be confined to a fenced enclosure of no more than 200 square feet in area, located in a rear yard. The fenced enclosure shall be at least 25 feet from any street line, at least 15 feet from any residential dwelling and at least five feet from any property line... (g) No rooster shall be kept on any property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
Section 34 of the New Haven Zoning Ordinance permits keeping up to six hens (no roosters) as a non-commercial accessory use in the RS-1, RS-2, RM-1, and RM-2 residence districts. The birds must be confined to a fenced enclosure of no more than 200 square feet in a rear yard, set back at least 25 feet from any street line, 15 feet from any residential dwelling, and 5 feet from any property line, with the greater distance controlling where more than one applies. A coop building is required and must sit at least 10 feet from any lot line, and hen-keeping must also comply with the City's Health Code.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than six hens, keeping any rooster, housing hens inside a residential structure, or placing the coop or enclosure closer than the required setbacks violates Section 34 and is enforceable as a zoning violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in New Haven?
How close to my house can the chicken coop be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Haven
How New Haven compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare New Haven to another location·View the Connecticut animal ordinances overview
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