Chicken Laws by County in Maine

From Portland’s urban homesteads to rural farms nestled in the mountains, backyard chicken keeping in Maine is steadily on the rise. But before you start building a coop or buying a brood of hens, it’s important to know this: chicken laws in Maine vary by town, city, and county.

This guide gives you a county-by-county breakdown of chicken laws in Maine, helping you understand what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how to get started legally—whether you’re in a seaside neighborhood or a rural homestead.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Maine?

Yes, chickens are legal in Maine, but regulations are handled at the municipal level. While Maine’s rural counties are generally chicken-friendly, urban and suburban towns often have specific ordinances that regulate:

• How many chickens you can keep

• Whether roosters are allowed

• Where your coop can be placed

• Setback requirements

• Sanitation and noise rules

• Whether a permit is required

Before you build your coop, check your local zoning laws—and use this chicken coop calculator to plan a compliant, comfortable home for your hens.

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Chicken Laws by County in Maine

Maine has 16 counties, but chicken laws are enforced at the town and city level, not county-wide. Here’s a breakdown of local laws and trends in major counties and municipalities.

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Cumberland County (Including Portland, South Portland, Westbrook)

Portland:

• Chickens are allowed in all zones with some restrictions

• Up to 6 hens allowed on lots under 10,000 sq. ft.

• Roosters are not permitted

• Coop must be:

  • In the rear yard

  • At least 25 feet from any dwelling

  • Predator-proof and sanitary

• $25 annual permit required

South Portland and Westbrook have similar ordinances, though some zones may allow up to 10 hens with similar setback and sanitation standards.

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York County (Including Biddeford, Saco, Sanford)

Saco:

• Chickens allowed in residential zones

• Up to 6 hens allowed, no roosters

• Coops must be:

  • At least 20 feet from property lines

  • In the backyard

  • Properly ventilated and enclosed

• Permit not always required, but complaints can lead to enforcement

Sanford and Biddeford allow chickens under similar terms, especially in low-density or agricultural zones.

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Penobscot County (Including Bangor)

Bangor:

• Chickens are allowed in all residential zones

• Up to 6 hens, no roosters

• Coop requirements:

  • 25 feet from property lines

  • Clean, enclosed, and not a public nuisance

• No permit required unless operating commercially

Outside Bangor, most unincorporated towns in Penobscot County allow chickens freely in rural and agricultural areas.

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Androscoggin County (Including Lewiston, Auburn)

Lewiston and Auburn:

• Chickens permitted in residential and AG zones

• Limit of 6 hens, roosters prohibited

• Coop must be:

  • 25 feet from any inhabited building

  • Enclosed and predator-resistant

• No permit needed for personal use

Both cities strongly enforce noise and sanitation complaints, so keeping your coop clean is essential.

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Kennebec County (Including Augusta, Waterville)

Augusta:

• Allows chickens in most zones

• Up to 6 hens, roosters banned

• Coop must be:

  • At least 25 feet from property lines

  • Clean and enclosed

• Permit may be required depending on zoning classification

Waterville follows similar rules, and outside city limits, rural areas allow larger flocks and roosters freely.

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York & Cumberland County Rural Areas

In smaller towns like Buxton, Standish, or Windham, chicken keeping is widely accepted. Most ordinances allow:

• Up to 12 hens, roosters with restrictions

• Larger flocks allowed on 1+ acre lots

• No permit required unless raising birds for sale

• Coop setbacks range from 20–50 feet from property lines

Always check your town office or code enforcement for current regulations.

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General Chicken Laws in Maine’s Smaller Towns

Many rural and coastal communities in Maine don’t have specific ordinances, which means chicken keeping is generally allowed under state nuisance and health codes. But even where laws are informal, here are the unspoken standards:

Still unsure? Call your town office or visit their website—and plan your flock using this chicken coop calculator.

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Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Maine

Urban/Suburban (e.g., Portland, Bangor, Lewiston):

• Limit of 4–6 hens

• Roosters prohibited

• Coop placement strictly enforced (usually 20–30 ft setbacks)

• Permits sometimes required

• Sanitation and noise complaints monitored

Rural Towns and Unincorporated Areas:

• Roosters generally permitted

• Flock size often unlimited

• Minimal or no setback enforcement

• Very few permit or inspection requirements

• Great for homesteaders and off-grid setups

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How to Find Your Town’s Chicken Laws in Maine

Here’s how to confirm the chicken rules for your specific property:

1. Check your town’s zoning map or parcel lookup

2. Visit your municipal website and search for “urban agriculture” or “animal control ordinances”

3. Call your town or city code enforcement office

4. Review HOA covenants, if applicable

Even two neighbors on the same road may fall under different zoning rules, especially in coastal and suburban developments.

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Building a Legal and Safe Chicken Coop in Maine

Designing a chicken coop that complies with local law and keeps your birds safe means including:

• 4 sq. ft. per chicken inside the coop

• 8–10 sq. ft. per chicken in the run

• Secure fencing and covered roof to prevent predators

• Ventilation and insulation for Maine’s variable climate

• Setback compliance (typically 20–30 feet) from property lines

Use this chicken coop calculator to design a coop that’s legal, safe, and efficient.

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Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens in Maine is not only legal in most places—it’s a smart way to live sustainably and independently. But since every town governs its own poultry laws, it’s critical to check your local ordinances before getting started.

Whether you live in downtown Portland or the rural woods of Piscataquis County, understanding your zoning, setbacks, and hen limits ensures your coop—and your chickens—stay safe, healthy, and complaint-free.

Ready to get started? Use the chicken coop calculator to plan your flock’s home and raise chickens the right way—Maine-style.