Chickens & Livestock: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo has fewer restrictions than Clarence.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
Buffalo allows backyard chickens with a permit from the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. Maximum 5 hens per parcel, no roosters, and coops must be 25 feet from any dwelling. Annual permit fee applies.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Clarence Town Code prohibits keeping chickens in the Residential Single-Family (R-SF) zone unless the parcel is at least 5 acres or is located in the Agricultural District. Residents on smaller residential lots have applied for ZBA variances; outcomes have been mixed since 2022.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Hen Limit | 5 per parcel | - |
| Roosters | Banned | - |
| Coop Setback | 25 ft from dwellings | - |
| Permit | Required annually | - |
| Slaughter | Prohibited on-site | - |
| Code Reference | - | Zoning Code, R-SF district |
| Allowed By Right | - | 5+ acres or Agricultural District |
| R-SF Lots | - | Variance required |
| Variance Body | - | Zoning Board of Appeals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Can I keep a rooster in Buffalo?
No. Only hens are allowed under Chapter 341.
Do I need neighbor approval for chickens?
Not formally, but the Department of Permit and Inspection Services may solicit input from adjacent neighbors during review.
Clarence FAQ
Can I keep backyard chickens in Clarence, NY?
Only if your parcel is at least 5 acres or zoned Agricultural. On smaller R-SF Residential Single-Family lots, you need a use variance from the Clarence Zoning Board of Appeals, which is not always granted.
How do I apply for a chicken variance in Clarence?
Submit a use-variance application to the Clarence Building Department for referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals. ZBA meeting minutes show such applications are heard at regular monthly meetings.
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