Live Fowl Permit Information

In Boston, residents are permitted to keep live fowl, provided they obtain a required city permit and strictly follow local codes and regulations regarding coop specifications, sanitation, and animal welfare.

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Applicants looking to keep live chickens on their property need to obtain a Use of Premises permit from Inspectional Services. Once all required documents are received and reviewed by the Building and Health Division, an inspection is conducted to ensure that all requirements are met as outlined in Article 89. Applicants are also required to have their request vetted by the Zoning Board of Appeals where it will be subjected to an approval process by the board. Direct abutters of your property will also have the opportunity to comment in support or opposition of your proposal.

Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services

617-635-5300

send an email

1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th Floor

Boston, MA 02118
United States
View the Mass State Food Code

Regulations for Keeping Fowl

Permit Required: You must obtain a Use of Premises permit from the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) Health Division. This process involves an application, review of required documents (such as a plot plan of the coop location), an inspection, and vetting by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Maximum Number of Hens: A maximum of six adult hens and six non-egg-laying replacement chicks or pullets are permitted per lot.
Roosters Prohibited: Roosters are not allowed to prevent noise issues.
Coop and Run Specifications:
- Coops and runs cannot exceed eight feet in height.
- Coop space must provide a minimum of two square feet per hen.
- Runs must provide a minimum of four square feet per hen.
- Coops and runs must be located in the rear yard and set back at least five feet from property lines (unless a solid barrier exists).
- Structures must be of substantial construction and maintained to prevent attracting rats.
Sanitation and Maintenance: Coops and surrounding premises must be kept clean, dry, and well-ventilated to avoid odors and unsanitary conditions that could be deemed a public nuisance. All waste must be composted in a rodent-proof container or removed from the property.
Feed Storage: All feed must be stored in rodent-proof, sealed containers, ideally inside the home, to avoid attracting pests.
Predator Protection: Secure coops and runs are necessary to protect birds from predators such as raccoons and coyotes . Electric fencing is often recommended.
Slaughtering: The on-site slaughtering of hens is prohibited.
Neighbor Relations: It is recommended to communicate proactively with neighbors about your plans, as direct abutters have an opportunity to comment on your permit application.

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents

Before applying, you must gather the following documents and information:

Completed Application Form: A signed application for a permit to keep live fowl.
Certified Plot Plan: A site plan prepared by a professional showing property lines, all existing buildings, and the proposed location and dimensions of the coop and run.
Coop/Hen House Sketch: A detailed sketch of the proposed coop, including its dimensions and distance from all buildings on your property and neighboring properties. The coop must be located in the rear yard and set back at least five feet from property lines.
Abutter Information: The names and addresses of the nearest property abutters, who will have an opportunity to comment on your application during the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing.
Maintenance Plan: A detailed written plan outlining how the coop and run will be kept clean and maintained to prevent odors, unsanitary conditions, and attraction of rodents. This includes the cleaning schedule, bedding material use, and waste composting methods.
Property Owner Permission (if applicable): If you are not the property owner, you will need written consent from the owner. If the property has three or more families, the owner must live on the premises unless they provide written consent.
Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable): A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy for the property may be required.

Step 2: Submit the Application

You can begin the application process online or in person at the ISD offices located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston

Online Portal: Use the Environmental Health Licensing Portal to submit documents and track your application.
In-Person: Visit the ISD office to submit all required paperwork.

Step 3: ISD Review and Inspection

Once the required documents are received, the application will be reviewed by both the Building and Health Divisions of the ISD. An inspector will need to schedule an on-site inspection to ensure that your proposed setup meets all the requirements outlined in Article 89, particularly concerning sanitation, construction, and location.

Step 4: Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Process

A crucial step in the process is appearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA will vet your request and make a final determination.

During this process, direct abutters to your property will be notified and given the opportunity to present comments or concerns, in support or opposition, regarding your plan to keep hens.
The ZBA's decision determines whether the permit is granted.

Step 5: Permit Issuance

If the ZBA approves your application and you have met all the necessary building and health requirements, the ISD Health Division will issue the Use of Premises permit. The permit is typically valid until December 31st of the year it was issued, and must be renewed annually.

For any questions, you can contact the Boston Inspectional Services Department at 617-635-5300 or isd@boston.gov.

Tips for residents on Maintaining Live Fowl

Clean up feed spills immediately in your feed room or in the coop to deny rodents a food source.
Keep the grass mowed short around the edges of the coop and in your yard. This is an intimidating barrier for a rodent as they do not want to be spotted by a predator should they cross an open space.
Place a three-foot wide strip of gravel around the edge of your coop to create yet another barrier to the building.
Remove junk piles to deny shelter to rodents.
During weekly cleaning, look for new holes, nests and feces. Rodents breed quickly so be vigilant.
Consult with a pest control company regarding your best line of defense to protect your chicken coop and flock.
Be a good neighbor! Speaking with your neighbors first might help eliminate any fears they might have about living next to chickens.