Chickens & Livestock: Clinton vs Leominster
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Clinton, MA and Leominster, MA?
Clinton and Leominster have similar restriction levels.
Clinton, MA
Worcester County
Chicken and livestock rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester permits up to 6 hens (no roosters) with a Board of Health permit. Rural towns like Hardwick, Petersham, and Barre are far more permissive. MGL c. 40A §3 protects agriculture on 5+ acre parcels.
View full Clinton rules →Leominster, MA
Worcester County
Chicken and livestock rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester permits up to 6 hens (no roosters) with a Board of Health permit. Rural towns like Hardwick, Petersham, and Barre are far more permissive. MGL c. 40A §3 protects agriculture on 5+ acre parcels.
View full Leominster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clinton | Leominster |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester City | Up to 6 hens, no roosters (BOH permit) | Up to 6 hens, no roosters (BOH permit) |
| Coop Setback | 25 ft from property line | 25 ft from property line |
| Rural Towns | More permissive (Hardwick, Petersham, Barre) | More permissive (Hardwick, Petersham, Barre) |
| Dover Amendment | MGL c. 40A §3 protects 5+ acre ag | MGL c. 40A §3 protects 5+ acre ag |
| Right to Farm | Common bylaw (MGL c. 111 §125A) | Common bylaw (MGL c. 111 §125A) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clinton FAQ
Can I keep chickens in the City of Worcester?
Yes — up to 6 hens (no roosters) with a Board of Health permit under Worcester Revised Ordinances. Coops must be set back 25 feet from abutting property lines and kept sanitary. Annual renewal required.
Do Right to Farm bylaws protect my Worcester County chickens?
Only if you have a bona fide agricultural operation on a qualifying parcel. MGL c. 40A §3 protects commercial ag on 5+ acre parcels (or 2 acres with $1,000+ annual sales). Residential backyard flocks remain subject to local Board of Health rules.
Leominster FAQ
Can I keep chickens in the City of Worcester?
Yes — up to 6 hens (no roosters) with a Board of Health permit under Worcester Revised Ordinances. Coops must be set back 25 feet from abutting property lines and kept sanitary. Annual renewal required.
Do Right to Farm bylaws protect my Worcester County chickens?
Only if you have a bona fide agricultural operation on a qualifying parcel. MGL c. 40A §3 protects commercial ag on 5+ acre parcels (or 2 acres with $1,000+ annual sales). Residential backyard flocks remain subject to local Board of Health rules.
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