Can I keep chickens in Bristol, RI?
Yes, with conditions — Bristol allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 28 Zoning Sec. 28-150(o) (Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only; coop and run minimum 40 ft from all lot lines (board may reduce if abutting non-residential zone); hens not allowed indoors or in attached garage; coop must protect from predators and weather; hens confined 9 PM to 8 AM; all manure in enclosed bins; owner must be resident of the dwelling |
| Code section | Ch. 28 Zoning Sec. 28-150(o) (Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens) |
Bristol allows up to 6 hens (1 per 800 sq ft) via Special Use Permit under Sec. 28-150(o). Coop must be in rear yard, 40 ft from all lot lines. Roosters are prohibited except chicks of undetermined sex may be kept up to 6 months. Slaughter is prohibited. Owner must be resident.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Bristol?
Yes, with conditions — Bristol allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 28 Zoning Sec. 28-150(o) (Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Bristol?
Up to 6 hens. 1 hen per 800 sq ft of lot area, max 6. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Bristol?
Yes — Bristol requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Bristol?
No — roosters are prohibited in Bristol.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Bristol?
40 feet minimum. Rear yard only; coop and run minimum 40 ft from all lot lines (board may reduce if abutting non-residential zone); hens not allowed indoors or in attached garage; coop must protect from predators and weather; hens confined 9 PM to 8 AM; all manure in enclosed bins; owner must be resident of the dwelling
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Bristol?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Bristol's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Bristol?
Ch. 28 Zoning Sec. 28-150(o) (Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 28 Zoning Sec. 28-150(o) (Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens) — read the official code
“Sec. 28-150(o) Special use permit standards for keeping of chicken hens. (2) Chicken coops and runs shall be kept a minimum of 40 feet from all lot lines. (4) One chicken hen is permitted per each 800 square feet of total lot area, up to a maximum of six hens on any lot. (6) Roosters are prohibited. However, if the sex of a chick cannot be determined at hatching, a chick of either sex may be kept on the property for up to six months. (10) Slaughtering of chickens on-site is prohibited.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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