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

A license from the Chief of Police is required before keeping chickens, geese, ducks, doves, pigeons, turkeys or other fowl in the city (§ 30-12), except for licensed poulterers. Licenses run up to two years, tied to a July 1 to June 30 permit year, cost $75 plus a $10 replacement fee if lost (§ 30-16), and must state the exact kind and maximum number of fowl authorized (§ 30-15). Once licensed, § 30-19 sets the physical standards: fowl must stay on the licensee's premises (except flight-only or carrier pigeons), each bird needs at least four square feet of coop floor space plus four square feet of runway, and no more than 30 fowl may occupy a 240-square-foot open area.

Coops and runways must sit at least 25 feet from any dwelling or building used for continuous human occupation, must be kept clean and sanitary at all times, and live poultry cannot be housed in a cellar or occupied building. A male fowl over four months old can be ordered removed once the Chief of Police gives notice it is a nuisance. Separately, § 30-13 bans raising fowl for the purpose of selling it, and § 30-14 bans selling live fowl on the public streets, regardless of licensing status. All licensed premises are subject to inspection at any time, and licensees must comply with Chief of Police orders enforcing the chapter.