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

Section 300-40.10, amended 3-7-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012 and 6-4-2025 by L.L. No. 4-2025, defines livestock as any domestic animal of any age such as cattle, horses, donkeys, mules, burros, sheep, hogs, pigs, goats or similar animals, and poultry as chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, fowl or similar birds of any age.

Where: keeping livestock or poultry within an agricultural farming operation in a county-designated agricultural district recognized under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law is permitted. Outside such a district it is not permitted, except in the Rural Residential District under the standards below.

Poultry standards: the minimum parcel is one acre, with a maximum of six poultry per each acre. No roosters are allowed at any time except one on parcels of three acres or larger. Birds must be fenced in. A coop, barn, shed or hutch cannot sit within 50 feet of a property line, and poultry manure or bedding cannot be stored within 50 feet of a property line. Manure cannot be stored or housing placed within 100 feet of any private well, stored manure must be covered by a fully enclosed structure with a roof or lid, and manure not used for composting or fertilizing must be removed. The fenced area and coop must be clean, dry and odor-free at all times. Feed and water must be available at all times and kept from rodents, wild birds and predators. A building permit is required for the coop and fence, where setbacks and the duty to minimize odor and noise are confirmed, with a fee set by resolution.

Livestock standards: the minimum parcel is two acres, with a maximum of two livestock per the two-acre minimum and one more animal for each additional acre. Livestock must be fenced, barns must sit at least 100 feet from a property line, and manure storage must also be at least 100 feet from a property line.