Rhode Island is known for many things, from its beautiful coastline to its rich history, and it even has a famous feathered representative—the Rhode Island Red Chicken. As the state bird, this hardy breed is synonymous with Rhode Island’s agricultural roots. If you’re considering raising chickens in the Ocean State, it’s essential to understand local regulations that govern backyard flocks. Whether you’re inspired by the Rhode Island Red or just want to enjoy fresh eggs, knowing the rules will ensure a smooth and legal chicken-keeping experience. Let’s dive into the regulations you should know before starting your own flock in Rhode Island.
Is it Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Rhode Island?
Yes, it is legal to have chickens in your backyard in Rhode Island, but regulations can vary depending on your city or town. While many areas allow residents to raise chickens, there are specific rules regarding the number of chickens you can keep, coop placement, and other requirements. It’s important to check with your local municipality to ensure you’re following the appropriate guidelines to keep your chickens legally and responsibly.
Do You Need A Permit for Chickens in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, whether you need a permit for chickens depends on your city or town’s specific regulations. Some municipalities may require a permit for keeping chickens, particularly if you’re planning to have a larger flock or if the coop exceeds a certain size. It’s important to contact your local zoning office or check your town’s ordinances to determine if a permit is necessary for your chicken setup.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Rhode Island?
The number of chickens you can have in Rhode Island varies by town or city. Many municipalities allow a small number of chickens, typically between 3 to 6, without a permit, while others may impose restrictions based on lot size or zoning laws. Some cities, like Providence, limit the number of chickens to 6 per residential property, while others may allow more with additional regulations in place. Always check with your local government to understand the specific guidelines in your area.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Rhode Island By County
Below are regulations for the five counties in Rhode Island. Some counties do not have government websites, so their county seat is referred to instead. Click here to be taken to the city and town regulation section.
| Bristol County | No online resources; refer to the Town of Bristol Code of Ordinances |
| Kent County | No website; refer to the Town of East Greenwich Code |
| Newport County | Newport Code of Ordinances |
| Providence County | Providence Code of Ordinances |
| Washington County | Washington County Website |
Does Bristol County, RI, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Bristol County does not have an official website, but its county seat, Bristol, allows backyard chickens with specific regulations. Coops must be in the backyard and at least 40 feet from all lot lines. Roosters are not permitted, and residents can keep a maximum of six hens, which must be confined during certain nighttime hours. For more information, read the town of Bristol’s Code of Ordinances.
Does Kent County, RI, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Chicken regulations in Kent County are unclear since the county does not have a government website. However, their county seat, East Greenwich, code states noise disturbance regulations for chickens. If complaints are received from three or more families, the chickens are considered a nuisance and may result in penalties. For the most accurate information, contact East Greenwich’s Planning Department.
Does Newport County, RI, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Newport County does not have any specific regulations on its government website, but its county seat, Newport, has regulations for chickens. All chickens must be housed in a coop and must be predator-resistant. A maximum of six hens are allowed and only in residential zones only. Read more in their Code of Ordinances.
Does Providence County, RI, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Providence County’s county seat, Providence. Up to six hens are allowed and one hen per eight hundred square feet. Roosters are not allowed due to noise restrictions. The hens must be housed in a coop with a fenced outdoor enclosure and provide a minimum of two square feet per chicken. Find out more about the regulations in their Code of Ordinances.
Does Washington County, RI, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It is unclear if Washington County allows backyard chickens. For the most accurate information, find the point of contact using this website.
Chicken Laws For Cities and Towns in Rhode Island
Below are a few cities and towns in Rhode Island and their backyard chicken regulations. Click on the city name on the left to be taken to that section or use this link to go back to the county section.
Can I Have Chickens in Barrington, RI?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Barrington, Rhode Island. Homeowners with at least one dwelling may keep up to six hens but no roosters, and hens must be housed in a secure, well-ventilated coop with a fenced enclosure. The coop cannot exceed eight feet in height or 64 square feet, must be kept clean, and must follow setback requirements. Keeping hens is for personal egg collection only, requires registration and approval, and commercial slaughter is prohibited. For more information, visit the town’s code.
Can I Have Chickens in Burrillville, RI?
Owning hens or roosters in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is only allowed as permitted by the zoning ordinance, and properties under five acres need a special use permit to free-range chickens. The number of hens and whether roosters are allowed depends on lot size, with larger properties having fewer restrictions. For full details, refer to the town’s code.
Can I Have Chickens in Central Falls, RI?
No, backyard chickens are prohibited in Central Falls, Rhode Island. For more information, read the Code of Ordinances.
Can I Have Chickens in Coventry, RI?
Yes, keeping chickens is allowed in Coventry, Rhode Island only if they are properly contained in a clean, sanitary enclosure with adequate food, water, and shelter. For more information, visit the town’s code.
Can I Have Chickens in Cranston, RI?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Cranston, Rhode Island. Roosters are also allowed but limited to one per property in a coop no closer than one hundred fifty feet from a dwelling. Up to six hens are allowed and must be kept in a coop. Find more information on this regulation here.
Can I Have Chickens in Cumberland, RI?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Cumberland, Rhode Island. A single-family home may keep up to five chickens, but roosters are not allowed, and any enclosures must be at least 25 feet from the property line. For more information, read the Cumberland Code.
Can I Have Chickens in East Providence, RI?
No, chickens are not allowed in East Providence, Rhode Island. For more information, contact the Planning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in Hopkinton, RI?
Yes, chickens are allowed in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. They must have a well-ventilated, predator-resistant coop providing at least 2 square feet per animal. Chickens must have a secure outdoor enclosure, be confined between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and animal feed must be stored securely. For more information, contact the town’s Planning Department.
Can I Have Chickens in North Providence, RI?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in North Providence, Rhode Island. For accurate information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning.
Can I Have Chickens in North Smithfield, RI?
Yes! In North Smithfield, Rhode Island, hens must have a secure, well-ventilated coop (max 64 sq. ft.) and a fenced enclosure, both kept clean and sanitary. They are only allowed in backyards, cannot be housed indoors, and the owner must live on-site. For more information, read the Town of North Smithfield’s Code of Ordinances.
Can I Have Chickens in Pawtucket, RI?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Pawtucket, Rhode Island unless approved by an Animal Control Officer. Read more about this regulation in the city’s code.
Can I Have Chickens in Warren, RI?
Yes, in Warren, Rhode Island, residents (except in R-40 zones) may keep up to six hens; additional birds require 800 sq. ft. each. Roosters and slaughtering are prohibited. Fowl must have a secure coop and fenced enclosure, kept clean and at least 20 ft. from dwellings. Birds must stay in back or side yards and be confined from dawn to dusk. A town permit, including coop inspection and an annual fee, is required. Read more about the regulations in their Code of Ordinances.
Can I Have Chickens in Warwick, RI?
Chickens are not generally allowed in Warwick, Rhode Island and need a special use permit approved by the zoning board. For more information, read their Raising Livestock Ordinance.
Can I Have Chickens in Westerly, RI?
Yes, in the Town of Westerly, Rhode Island, chickens are allowed only if kept in a clean, enclosed area at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence and within the proper zoning. A maximum of 35 animals may be kept for personal use, and they cannot be allowed to roam freely. Violations can result in fines of $5 to $10 per day. Read more in the Town of Westerly Code.
Can I Have Chickens in Woonsocket, RI?
Yes! Backyard chickens are allowed in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Up to five hens are allowed with a restriction of no more than one hen per eight hundred square feet of the total lot area. For more information, contact the Zoning Division.
Other FAQs About Keeping Backyard Chickens in Rhode Island
Is It Legal To Own Chickens in Rhode Island?
Yes! Raising chickens in Rhode Island is possible, but the rules depend on your town or city. Many areas allow backyard chickens with guidelines on coop size, setbacks, and the number of hens you can keep. With the right setup, you can enjoy fresh eggs and the joy of backyard chickens—just be sure to check your local regulations to get started!
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
In Rhode Island, whether you can let your chickens free-range in your backyard depends on the local regulations of your town or city. Many areas allow chickens to free-range within your property as long as they do not create a nuisance or cause damage to neighboring properties. However, it’s important to ensure your chickens are kept safely contained, as some areas may require chicken coops or runs to keep them from wandering onto other properties. Always verify with your local municipality to make sure you’re in compliance with any specific rules regarding free-ranging chickens.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Delaware?
Keeping a rooster in your backyard in Rhode Island varies depending on the local laws of your town or city. Many areas impose restrictions due to the noise roosters create, and some places outright ban them. To ensure you’re in compliance, it’s crucial to review your town’s regulations or contact local authorities to determine whether keeping a rooster is allowed in your area.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, you can sell eggs from your backyard flock, provided you have fewer than 3,000 hens. However, the sale of these eggs is limited to direct transactions with consumers and cannot be sold to businesses like grocery stores or restaurants. Be sure to check local regulations to ensure you’re meeting all necessary requirements for selling your eggs.
Ready to Start Your Backyard Chicken-Keeping Journey?
Rhode Island has varying local regulations for backyard chickens, including specific requirements for coops and enclosures. The Hen House Collection offers a selection of coops designed to meet these standards, with predator-resistant doors, various coop sizes, proper ventilation, and easy cleaning. If your town has unique guidelines, we can create a custom coop to ensure compliance.
Thinking about raising chickens? The Hen House Collection provides expert guidance, from selecting the right breeds to finding a coop that suits your needs.
