Plymouth County, MA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Chicken Rules
- Set by town zoning
- Ag Protection
- 5 acres, or 2 at $1,000
- Rural Towns
- Generally allow livestock
- Roosters
- Curbed as noise
Summary
Backyard chickens are allowed subject to each town's zoning bylaw. MGL c.40A §3 bars towns from zoning out commercial agriculture on parcels of five acres, or two acres earning $1,000 per acre, protecting larger farms across Plymouth County.
all such activities may be limited to parcels of 5 acres or more or to parcels 2 acres or more if the sale of products produced from the agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture or viticulture use on the parcel annually generates at least $1,000 per acre
Full Breakdown
Whether a household may keep hens is set by the town zoning bylaw, not the county. Brockton limits poultry on small residential lots, while rural Plymouth, Middleborough, and Wareham parcels allow chickens and other livestock. Above the local rules sits a statewide floor: MGL c.40A §3 forbids a zoning bylaw from prohibiting agriculture on a parcel of more than five acres, or two acres or more if the farm generates at least $1,000 per acre in sales. That protects commercial farming even where residential zoning would otherwise restrict it. Roosters can still be curbed as a noise nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping poultry against a town zoning bylaw draws a zoning-enforcement order and fines from the building department. Farms meeting the c.40A §3 acreage thresholds are exempt from such use restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep backyard chickens?
Is my small farm protected from zoning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
How Plymouth County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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