Chicken Laws by County in Rhode Island

Raising backyard chickens in Rhode Island is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable living—even in a small state. But before you bring home that adorable flock, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape. Rhode Island doesn’t have a single statewide chicken law—instead, chicken ownership is regulated locally by cities and towns, even though the state only has five counties.

In this guide, we’ll break down chicken laws by county in Rhode Island, focusing on how local towns approach backyard poultry—so you can raise your hens with peace of mind.

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Are Backyard Chickens Legal in Rhode Island?

Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in most Rhode Island towns, but the exact rules—such as how many hens you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, coop placement, and permit requirements—are determined by local municipal ordinances, not by county or state law.

Here’s what is typically regulated:

• Hen limits (commonly 4–6 hens in urban/suburban areas)

• Roosters often prohibited due to noise

• Permit or registration may be required

• Setback rules for coops and fencing

• Sanitation and odor control ordinances

Not sure how big your coop needs to be? Use this handy chicken coop calculator to design your coop based on your flock size and local guidelines.

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Chicken Laws by County in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s five counties are Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington. However, laws are enforced at the town level, so we’ll explore the chicken ordinances of major towns and cities within each county.

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Bristol County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many parts of Bristol County, with restrictions in denser residential zones.

Details:

• Bristol (town) allows chickens, but residents must apply for a special use permit and meet setback and coop standards. Roosters are typically not allowed.

• Warren allows hens for personal use. Coop placement and cleanliness are strictly enforced. Roosters are prohibited in most residential zones.

• Barrington permits backyard chickens with up to 6 hens, no roosters, and setbacks of at least 25 feet from neighboring homes.

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Kent County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in most Kent County towns, including Warwick and West Warwick, with varying restrictions.

Details:

• Warwick permits chickens in residential zones with a limit of 6 hens, no roosters, and 25-foot setbacks from neighboring properties. A $25 permit may be required.

• West Warwick has similar rules—chickens must be confined, coops must be well-maintained, and roosters are not allowed.

• Coventry and East Greenwich allow chickens in residential and agricultural zones, with minimal regulation in rural areas.

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Newport County

Direct answer: Most towns in Newport County allow chickens, but permit and lot size requirements may apply.

Details:

• Newport (city) allows backyard hens under certain conditions, including setback and coop structure regulations. Roosters are prohibited.

• Middletown permits chickens on lots over 10,000 square feet, with up to 6 hens allowed and strict cleanliness standards.

• Portsmouth and Tiverton support backyard chickens with clear ordinances. Coops must be predator-proof, clean, and placed 20–30 feet from dwellings.

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Providence County

Direct answer: Chicken laws vary widely across towns, with urban areas like Providence having more restrictions.

Details:

• Providence (city) permits up to 6 hens in residential areas, no roosters, and requires a $25 annual permit. Coops must be 10 feet from property lines and in the rear yard.

• Pawtucket and Central Falls are more restrictive—chickens may be allowed with zoning approval or special permits only.

• Cranston, Johnston, and North Providence allow chickens with limits on flock size and coop placement. Roosters are generally prohibited.

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Washington County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are broadly allowed across Washington County, particularly in rural and residential areas.

Details:

• South Kingstown allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and enforces a minimum coop setback of 25 feet from neighboring structures.

• Narragansett permits chickens in residential zones with a simple permit and sanitation requirements.

• North Kingstown, Exeter, and Hopkinton are more relaxed—especially in agricultural areas, where roosters and larger flocks are typically allowed without special permits.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Rhode Island

While towns set their own laws, most chicken ordinances across Rhode Island share these traits:

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Tips for Raising Chickens Legally in Rhode Island

To avoid legal headaches and keep your neighbors happy, follow these best practices:

• Check your local ordinance—towns vary even within the same county.

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

• Respect all setback requirements when placing your coop.

• Maintain cleanliness to prevent pests and complaints.

• Confirm with your HOA before building a coop, even if your town allows chickens.

• Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your coop meets space and compliance standards.

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Conclusion: Raising Chickens in Rhode Island Is Easy—If You Know the Local Rules

Rhode Island may be small, but its approach to backyard chickens is highly localized. From the suburban streets of Warwick to the rural pockets of Washington County, there’s a good chance you can raise chickens legally—as long as you follow your town’s ordinance.

Most towns allow a modest flock of hens (typically 4–6), restrict roosters, and require setback compliance for coops. Permits may be necessary in more densely populated areas.

Ready to build a coop that meets Rhode Island’s local laws? Use the chicken coop calculator to design a safe, spacious, and regulation-friendly home for your flock.

Happy hens start with smart planning—and in Rhode Island, that means checking your town’s rules and building accordingly.