Utica, NY Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Chickens allowed?
- No, banned citywide
- Code article
- Chapter 2-5, Art. III Fowl
- Fowl defined
- Chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, doves
- 2021 proposal
- Voted down
- Enforcement
- Codes Enforcement
Summary
Utica prohibits keeping fowl of any kind within city limits. City Code bars having, keeping, or offering to sell any live chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, or doves. A 2021 zoning proposal to allow backyard chickens was voted down, so the ban remains in effect.
No person shall have, or keep, or offer to sell any fowl within the City of Utica.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 2-5, Article III (Fowl) makes it unlawful to have, keep, or offer for sale any fowl within the City of Utica. The code defines fowl to include live chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, and doves, so backyard hens and roosters are not permitted. During the February 2021 zoning rewrite, the Common Council considered allowing residential backyard fowl but rejected the provision, leaving the citywide prohibition intact. Residents wanting eggs must look outside city limits, where surrounding Oneida County towns set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Keeping prohibited fowl is a code violation enforced by Codes Enforcement; owners may be ordered to remove the animals and fined per municipal penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard hens in Utica?
Are ducks or pigeons allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Utica
How Utica compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·New York rules heatmap·Compare Utica to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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