Can I keep chickens in East Providence, RI?
No — East Providence does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 3 (Animals), Sec. 3-2 (Keeping of animals, fowl, generally), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 3 (Animals), Sec. 3-2 (Keeping of animals, fowl, generally) |
East Providence prohibits keeping fowl on residential property. The City Council tabled a legalization ordinance in May 2022 and rejected a renewed effort in a 2-2 vote in July 2025. The general animal ordinance bans fowl and geese except under special conditions approved by the Animal Control Officer.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in East Providence?
No — chickens are not allowed in East Providence (Code of Ordinances Ch. 3 (Animals), Sec. 3-2 (Keeping of animals, fowl, generally)).
What law covers backyard chickens in East Providence?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 3 (Animals), Sec. 3-2 (Keeping of animals, fowl, generally). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 3 (Animals), Sec. 3-2 (Keeping of animals, fowl, generally) — read the official code
“After months of debate, the city took up an ordinance that would allow people to legally keep chickens... the chicken measure could not cross the road to approval, so it got tabled.” source
“Chapter 3 - ANIMALS | Code of Ordinances | East Providence, RI — No owner or occupant of any dwelling shall keep or permit to be kept any sheep, hogs, goats, cattle, horses, fowl, geese, or ducks in any dwelling house, cellar, or garage, nor shall any person have any such animals kept within the city, except under such special conditions as may be prescribed by the animal control officer.” 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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