Waltham zoning allows backyard chickens in limited residential districts with setback requirements, but no roosters and no other livestock.
Under Waltham Zoning Ordinance, hens are permitted as accessory uses in Residence A and some Residence B districts, subject to setback and coop standards. Roosters are prohibited citywide due to noise concerns. Most residential lots can keep up to 6 hens. Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Slaughter on residential property is prohibited. Larger livestock such as goats, pigs, and cattle are only permitted on agricultural lots of 2 or more acres, which are rare in dense Waltham. Health Department registration is not required for hens, but good husbandry standards apply under MGL c.128.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Waltham, MA
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Waltham, MA
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Waltham, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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