Chicken Laws by County in New York

Raising backyard chickens in New York might sound like something reserved for upstate farms, but it’s actually legal in many parts of the state—including cities and suburbs. Whether you’re after fresh eggs or a sustainable lifestyle, keeping hens can be both rewarding and manageable. That said, New York does not have a statewide chicken law. Instead, backyard chicken ownership is regulated locally—by cities, towns, and villages within each county.

This article provides a county-by-county breakdown of chicken laws in New York, so you can raise chickens legally and confidently wherever you live.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in New York?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in many areas across New York, but local governments determine the specifics, such as:

• Number of hens allowed

• Whether roosters are permitted

• Minimum lot size requirements

• Permit or license requirements

• Coop distance (setback) regulations

• Sanitation and nuisance enforcement

Before you bring your first hen home, check with your town or village code enforcement office—even within a county, laws can vary dramatically.

Want to make sure your coop design follows legal guidelines? Try this chicken coop calculator to calculate space and placement based on your flock size and local rules.

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Chicken Laws by County in New York

Below are summaries of chicken-keeping laws in major counties across New York. Each listing highlights both rural flexibility and restrictions in more populated municipalities.

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New York County (Manhattan)

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in Manhattan—but with conditions.

Details:

• Up to six hens allowed per household.

• Roosters are prohibited citywide due to noise ordinances.

• Must be kept in a clean, enclosed coop.

• Selling eggs requires additional licensing.

• Chickens must be kept as pets, not for commercial purposes.

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Kings County (Brooklyn)

Queens County

Bronx County

Richmond County (Staten Island)

Direct answer: Backyard hens are legal in all NYC boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Details:

• Governed by New York City Health Code.

• Up to 6 hens per property, no roosters.

• Coops must be clean, well-ventilated, and secure.

• Chickens must be kept in a way that doesn’t cause odor or pest issues.

• Complaints can result in visits from city health officials.

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Nassau County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many towns and villages, but rules vary widely.

Details:

• Hempstead requires a minimum lot size and permits up to 8 hens with strict coop placement rules.

• Oyster Bay allows hens in residential zones with 100-ft setbacks.

• Roosters are generally prohibited countywide.

• Coops must be rodent-proof and well-maintained.

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Suffolk County

Direct answer: Many areas allow chickens, especially eastern and rural towns.

Details:

• Brookhaven allows up to 6 hens; coops must be 75 feet from any neighboring structure.

• Huntington and Islip require permits and often limit chickens to properties over 0.5 acres.

• Southampton and East Hampton are chicken-friendly with minimal restrictions in agricultural zones.

• Roosters usually not allowed in residential neighborhoods.

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Westchester County

Direct answer: Rules vary significantly between cities and towns.

Details:

• Yonkers does not allow backyard chickens.

• New Rochelle and White Plains allow chickens with permit approval and strict setbacks.

• Greenburgh and Mount Vernon generally prohibit chickens in dense residential areas.

• Smaller towns like Bedford or North Salem are more flexible.

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Rockland County

Direct answer: Some municipalities allow chickens; others strictly regulate or prohibit them.

Details:

• Clarkstown permits backyard hens with setbacks of 50 feet and a limit of 6 hens.

• Ramapo requires approval and may restrict chickens based on lot size.

• Orangetown allows chickens with neighbor consent and proper coop maintenance.

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Orange County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are commonly allowed, especially in suburban and rural areas.

Details:

• Middletown permits up to 6 hens with a no rooster rule.

• Newburgh allows chickens but enforces coop cleanliness and noise standards.

• Warwick and Monroe are more lenient, especially on lots over 0.5 acres.

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Albany County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many municipalities, but urban areas have tighter restrictions.

Details:

• Albany (city) allows up to 6 hens, with no roosters and a $25 permit.

• Colonie and Guilderland permit backyard flocks on larger lots with setbacks of at least 20 feet.

• Agricultural-zoned areas are more permissive.

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Erie County

Direct answer: Buffalo and its suburbs regulate chicken ownership based on zoning.

Details:

• Buffalo allows up to 5 hens with a $25 annual permit.

• Roosters are banned.

• Coops must be at least 15 feet from dwellings.

• Cheektowaga, Hamburg, and Tonawanda have similar ordinances.

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Monroe County

Direct answer: Chickens are permitted in many towns and cities, but not all.

Details:

• Rochester allows up to 4 hens with a $25 permit; roosters are banned.

• Greece, Irondequoit, and Pittsford allow hens with setback and zoning compliance.

• Larger rural areas may allow more birds without permits.

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Onondaga County

Direct answer: Chickens are legal in many places, including Syracuse and surrounding towns.

Details:

• Syracuse permits up to 5 hens, no roosters, with coop placement rules.

• DeWitt and Manlius have similar guidelines.

• Agricultural areas have minimal restrictions.

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Dutchess, Ulster, and Columbia Counties

Direct answer: These Hudson Valley counties are among the most chicken-friendly in the state.

Details:

• Most towns like Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and Hudson allow backyard hens with few restrictions.

• Roosters are generally banned in village areas.

• Permits may be required depending on zoning.

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Rural Counties (e.g., Delaware, Chenango, Essex, St. Lawrence)

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are widely permitted with minimal or no restrictions.

Details:

• Most rural towns encourage small-scale poultry keeping.

• Roosters are allowed unless local noise complaints arise.

• No permits are typically required.

• Sanitation and secure coops are still expected.

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Common Chicken Laws Across New York Municipalities

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How to Stay Compliant with New York Chicken Laws

Follow these best practices to avoid fines, complaints, or losing your flock:

• Call your town zoning or planning office before purchasing chickens.

• Use a predator-proof, ventilated coop with enough space per bird.

• Respect property lines and setback rules for coop placement.

• Avoid roosters unless you live in a rural/agricultural zone.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to design a coop that meets your local requirements.

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Conclusion: Chickens Are Welcome in New York—If You Follow Local Rules

From rural homesteads in the Adirondacks to backyard gardens in Brooklyn, chicken keeping is alive and well in New York. But success starts with knowing your town’s regulations. While most places allow a small flock of hens, rules on permits, coop placement, and roosters can vary block by block.

Want to build a coop that checks every box? Use the chicken coop calculator to create a plan tailored to your space, flock size, and local laws.

Legal chickens, happy neighbors, fresh eggs—that’s the New York way.