Are Chickens Allowed in Springfield, MA?

BySusan Medlin

No — not currently. Under Springfield’s existing laws, backyard chickens are not permitted in the city. Residents have been pushing for changes, including petitions to allow hens, but as of now the law does not allow keeping chickens on typical residential properties.

What the Current Law Says

  • Springfield’s zoning ordinance explicitly defines a “domestic animal” to include pets like dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, *but not* farm animals such as chickens, roosters, goats, pigs, etc.
  • Springfield’s animal regulations make keeping livestock animals on one’s property illegal except where zoning and state law expressly allow them.
  • An application for backyard hens would face zoning regulations that currently do not list chickens (or poultry) as a permitted use in residential zones.

Community Interest & Efforts to Change the Law

Several groups of residents have started efforts to change the law so that hens would be allowed under controlled conditions. Key facts:

  • Recently, nearly 500 residents signed a petition asking the city planning board and city council to legalize backyard hens. The petition argues for regulating number, coop placement, odor, noise, and sanitation.
  • People supporting change cite similar cities in Massachusetts (such as Holyoke, Northampton, Agawam) that already have bylaws allowing hens.
  • City officials have acknowledged the petition but have not yet passed any ordinance or amendment permitting chickens.

Why Chickens Are Not Allowed Now

The reasons behind the prohibition include:

  • The city zoning ordinance makes a clear legal distinction: chickens are classified as farm animals, which are excluded from what are considered “domestic animals” in residential zones.
  • Concerns over sanitation, noise, odors, pests, coop maintenance, and property value impact are part of why the code has excluded poultry.
  • Coop placement, setback issues, and health/safety standards would all need to be addressed in any new rules.

What Would Need to Change for Chickens to Be Legal

If Springfield were to allow backyard hens, here are conditions that are likely to be part of an ordinance to regulate them responsibly:

  • A limit on how many hens a household can keep (for example, 3-6 hens).
  • No roosters allowed, to avoid noise problems.
  • Clear coop/enclosure requirements: size, predator protection, ventilation, secure feed storage, waste/bedding management.
  • Setback rules: how far the coop must be from property lines, neighboring homes, windows, etc.
  • Possibly a permitting process or registration so the city can enforce standards.

What Residents Should Do If They Want Chickens

  1. Stay informed about city council / planning board meetings where petitions or zoning changes are discussed.
  2. Join or support resident groups advocating for legal backyard hens.
  3. Design a coop plan that meets best practices for cleanliness, distancing, predator protection, etc., so you’re ready if new ordinances are adopted.
  4. Talk with neighbors to understand concerns and demonstrate commitment to responsible chicken keeping.
  5. If legislative changes occur, carefully read the new ordinance to understand the rules, permits (if any), and enforcement mechanisms.

Pros & Cons of Allowing Chickens in Springfield

  • Pros:
    • Access to fresh eggs from your own hens.
    • Potential for enhanced food resilience and local sustainability.
    • Reduced food waste from kitchen scraps.
    • Gardening benefits from composting chicken waste.
    • Educational opportunities for families and communities.
  • Cons:
    • Noise, odor, and pests can become problems if coops are not well-maintained.
    • Zoning and health regulations could be strict and possibly costly to comply with.
    • Possible neighbor complaints, even if you follow rules carefully.
    • Initial cost of building or modifying a coop to meet standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to have hens in Springfield right now?

No. Under the current zoning and animal control regulations, chickens are not permitted on residential properties in Springfield, MA.

Can I get a permit or variance to keep chickens?

No—there is no legal framework currently in place for allowing backyard hens by permit. Any change would require an amendment or adoption of a new ordinance.

Are roosters allowed under any conditions?

No, roosters are not permitted, given the current state of the law which excludes poultry generally.

If a new ordinance is passed, what might be the cost or requirements?

It would depend on the final rules, but typically there might be fees for permits, requirements for coop construction, setbacks, sanitation, etc. Residents should anticipate these when proposals are considered.

Conclusion

In summary: chickens are not allowed in Springfield, MA under the current city codes. However, there is strong community interest and active petitioning to change the law to allow hens under regulated conditions. If you are considering advocating for change, being prepared with a well-thought-out plan, and staying involved in local government discussions will help you be ready when change comes.