Chickens & Livestock: Boston vs Chelsea
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston allows backyard hens under the 2013 Urban Agriculture Article 89 zoning with a maximum of 6 hens, no roosters, and a 10-foot coop setback from property lines.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Chicken-keeping in Suffolk County is regulated by each municipality. Boston allows chickens by right in certain zones with a permit from the Inspectional Services Department; dense urban neighborhoods effectively exclude them through lot-size and setback rules.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Max Hens | 6 (no roosters) | - |
| Coop Setback | 10 ft lot line, 25 ft dwelling | 20 ft from abutter (Boston) |
| Slaughter | Prohibited | - |
| Large Livestock | Residential ban | Prohibited (no ag zones) |
| Boston | - | 6 hens max, Article 89 permit |
| Roosters | - | Prohibited all Suffolk cities |
| Chelsea | - | Chickens prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Chelsea FAQ
Can I keep chickens in Boston?
Yes, with a permit under Boston Zoning Article 89 (Urban Agriculture). Maximum 6 hens, no roosters, 20-foot coop setback from neighbors. Dense neighborhoods often cannot meet setback requirements.
Are chickens allowed in Chelsea MA?
No. Chelsea's zoning code does not permit backyard poultry given its high-density urban character. The Chelsea Board of Health enforces under MGL c. 111 §31.
Compare other topics
See how Boston and Chelsea compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool