Animal Ordinances in Lynn, MA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Lynn, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Lynn allows up to six hens per lot as one of only two agricultural animals the city permits, but roosters are banned and every keeper needs a permit from the Building Commissioner under Zoning Ordinance Section 3.E.3 before adding a flock.
Lynn Backyard Chicken Rules
Some RestrictionsLynn Zoning Ordinance § 3.E.3.a-b
a. No person shall keep hens or honeybees on their premises without obtaining a permit from the Building Commissioner. b. Requirements for the keeping of hens: i. A maximum of 6 hens may be kept on a lot. No roosters may be kept. ii. Odor from hens cannot be noticeable at the property boundary. iii. Hens must stay on the property. iv. Henhouses shall not exceed eight feet in height and have a m...
Dog Leash Laws
Lynn prohibits any dog from running at large; dogs must be indoors, in a safely enclosed yard, or on a leash. Dogs are licensed annually through the City Clerk, with licenses renewed by April 1.
Lynn Dog Leash & Licensing Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lynn Animal Control, Laws and Ordinances
No owner or keeper of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large at any time. Dogs shall be restrained by being kept indoors or in a yard sufficiently and safely enclosed or on a leash.
Beekeeping
Lynn permits honeybee hives as one of only two agricultural animals allowed in the city, but every hive needs a permit from the Building Commissioner under Zoning Ordinance Section 3.E.3 before installation. Keepers are capped at two hives per parcel, each no taller than 5 feet and no larger than 20 cubic feet, with owner contact information posted at the site.
Lynn Beekeeping and Apiary Rules
Some RestrictionsLynn Zoning Ordinance § 3.E.3, § 3.E.3.c
3. Keeping of animal requirements for agricultural purposes. Hens and honey bees are the only allowed animals to keep in Lynn for agricultural purposes and are subject to the following criteria. Other livestock are prohibited. a. No person shall keep hens or honeybees on their premises without obtaining a permit from the Building Commissioner. ... c. Requirements for the keeping of honey bee hi...
Exotic Pets
Massachusetts bans private possession of most wild and exotic animals without a MassWildlife license (321 CMR 9.00). In Lynn, keeping ferrets, minks, guinea pigs, or rabbits also requires an Inspectional Division permit.
Lynn Exotic & Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lynn Animal Control, Laws and Ordinances
One must obtain a permit from the Inspectional Division to keep fowl (chickens, hens or pigeons), guinea pigs, rabbits, minks, or ferrets within city limits.