Chickens & Livestock: Burlington vs Somerville
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Burlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Burlington has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Chicken and livestock rules vary by Middlesex town. Urban cities like Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford allow small flocks with permits; suburbs like Lexington and Concord allow larger flocks with setbacks.
View full Burlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville permits a limited number of backyard hens by permit with strict coop setbacks and no roosters, reflecting the city's dense urban fabric and small lot sizes.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Urban max | 6 hens typical | - |
| Roosters | Banned urban/suburban | Prohibited |
| Suburban setback | 25-50 feet | - |
| Right to Farm | Many rural towns adopted | - |
| Permit needed | Yes in most cities | - |
| Hens allowed | - | Typically up to 6 by permit |
| Coop setback | - | 10 ft lot line, 25 ft dwellings |
| Other livestock | - | Not permitted in residential |
| Permit issuer | - | ISD and Board of Health |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
Can I have backyard chickens in Cambridge?
Yes, up to 6 hens with a permit from Inspectional Services. Roosters are prohibited.
Are goats allowed in Middlesex County?
Only in rural towns on sufficiently large lots. Most suburbs and cities prohibit goats and other livestock.
Somerville FAQ
Can I keep goats or pigs?
No. Somerville zoning does not allow livestock beyond limited backyard poultry on residential lots.
Do I need neighbor approval?
You typically need to provide written notice to abutters, and concerns are reviewed by the Board of Health before a permit issues.
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