Danbury, CT Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- District allowed
- RA-80 only
- Minimum lot size
- 5 acres
- Poultry cap
- 250 birds
- Livestock structure setback
- 100 feet from lot line
Summary
Danbury zoning permits farming only as a special exception in the RA-80 district, on lots of at least five acres, and it flatly excludes slaughterhouses, kennels, and commercial stables.
Farming shall be permitted only in the RA-80 Zoning District and shall be limited to dairy, truck, and nursery gardening, and the keeping of livestock for commercial purposes. Slaughter houses, kennels, commercial stables and similar uses are excluded.
(2) The minimum lot area shall be five (5) acres.
4-4
(3) All poultry, including pigeons, shall be kept within a building or fenced enclosure. A maximum of two hundred and fifty (250) birds may be kept on any lot.
(4) Any structure used for the purpose of keeping livestock, poultry, or any greenhouse in excess of one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet shall be located at a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any lot line.
(5) The keeping of horses or other equines as livestock on a farm shall meet all provisions of this section. The keeping of a horse(s) or other equine(s) as household pets shall be permitted only in the RA-80 Zoning District in accordance with §4.G.6.b.
(6) The raising of fur-bearing animals, other than rabbits, and the keeping of swine for commercial purposes shall not be permitted.
(7) No manure or dust producing fertilizers shall be stored in the open within one hundred (100) feet of any property line.
Full Breakdown
Farming needs special-exception approval and is confined to the RA-80 district; other zones allow no agricultural use at all. Lots must run at least five acres. Poultry, including pigeons, must stay in a building or fenced enclosure and is capped at 250 birds per lot. Any livestock or poultry structure, or a greenhouse over 1,500 square feet, must sit at least 100 feet from every lot line, and manure cannot be stored within 100 feet of a property line. Fur farming (other than rabbits) and commercial swine are banned outright.
Violations & Fines
Farming outside the RA-80 district, or without approved special-exception status, violates the Zoning Regulations; the Zoning Enforcement Officer can order a cease-and-desist and require removal of nonconforming livestock, poultry, or structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a farm anywhere in Danbury?
Can a Danbury farm sell its own produce at a roadside stand?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Danbury
Compare Danbury to another location·View the Connecticut right to farm overview
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