Providence, RI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

City code § 4-37.3 lets a dwelling's owner keep hens on the lot at a density of one hen per 800 square feet of total lot area, capped at six hens per lot no matter the size. Roosters are banned outright. Every flock needs a covered, predator-resistant, ventilated coop giving at least two square feet per bird, sited on a permeable surface at least 20 feet from any dwelling and never built onto a shared fence, plus a secure fenced run. Hens must be composted-manure clean, cannot be kept inside the house, must be confined between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and the flock's owner has to live at the dwelling. Feeding follows § 12-118 and slaughter follows § 10-104 et seq. and the zoning ordinance.