Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 4.4.4.C of the Stratford Zoning Regulations, titled Livestock, poultry, and animal keeping, sets two tiers. The larger tier is Section 4.4.4.C.2: no livestock or poultry, except household pets, shall be kept on any lot of less than three acres. The Regulations define LIVESTOCK as any camelid or hooved animal raised for domestic or commercial use, and the same subsection names poultry separately.

The backyard tier is Section 4.4.4.C.3, which opens with the words "Notwithstanding the above restrictions." Chickens or pigeons can be kept on any lot that is at least 5,000 square feet in area, at the rate of not more than 12 birds for each 5,000 square feet of lot area, provided they are confined in a building. The text sets no figure for lots under 5,000 square feet.

Section 4.4.4.C.1 adds a permit layer. No building in a residence district can be used for the housing of livestock or poultry, or as a commercial kennel, unless specifically approved as a special permit under Section 7.3.4 and subject to the conditions and regulations the Zoning Commission imposes. Because Section 4.4.4.C.3 begins with the word notwithstanding while Section 4.4.4.C.1 speaks of any building housing poultry in a residence district, ask the Zoning Enforcement Officer which path a backyard coop follows before building.

For larger operations, Section 4.4.4.C.4 puts the portion of a building used for housing and shelter of livestock at least 100 feet from any property line, and a lesser setback can be approved if it adequately protects both the residential and the agricultural and livestock use. Section 4.4.4.B also bars keeping swine for commercial purposes.