Can I keep chickens in Lincoln, RI?
Yes, with conditions — Lincoln allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Ch. 260 Zoning Art. III Sec. 260-8 (Agricultural Uses), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Code section | Ch. 260 Zoning Art. III Sec. 260-8 (Agricultural Uses) |
Chickens are permitted only in Residential Agricultural (RA) zones in Lincoln, and are not permitted in standard Residential Single-Family (R-1) or other typical residential zones. The restriction resulted from a 2023 Rhode Island state zoning reform that required municipalities to reclassify special uses; Lincoln reclassified chicken-keeping in residential zones as not permitted.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lincoln?
Yes, with conditions — Lincoln allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 260 Zoning Art. III Sec. 260-8 (Agricultural Uses)).
How many chickens can I keep in Lincoln?
It depends on your lot. Permitted only in Residential Agricultural (RA) zones; not permitted in standard R-1 residential zones as of 2023 state zoning reform. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lincoln?
Ch. 260 Zoning Art. III Sec. 260-8 (Agricultural Uses). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 260 Zoning Art. III Sec. 260-8 (Agricultural Uses) — read the official code
“Lincoln Town Planner Stephanie Davies confirmed chickens are only permitted in Residential Agricultural (RA) zones; previously allowed in Residential Single Family zones via special-use permit; 2023 state zoning law mandate forced municipalities to create objective criteria or convert special uses to permitted/not-permitted; Lincoln chose to convert chicken-keeping in residential zones to not permitted use.” 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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