Can I keep chickens in Middletown, RI?
No — Middletown does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Appendix A Zoning Code Sec. 602 (Schedule of District Regulations, Agricultural uses) (current through Am. Ord. 2025-16, 6-2-25), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Appendix A Zoning Code Sec. 602 (Schedule of District Regulations, Agricultural uses) (current through Am. Ord. 2025-16, 6-2-25) |
Middletown does not have a backyard chicken ordinance. Livestock farms (the only category including poultry) require a 100,000 sq ft minimum lot and are permitted by right only in R-60, R-40, and R-30 zones. Standard residential lots (R-20, R-10, etc.) cannot legally keep chickens. A proposal to expand chicken-keeping was under Planning Commission review in May 2026 but had not been adopted as of the most recent code amendment.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Middletown?
No — chickens are not allowed in Middletown (Appendix A Zoning Code Sec. 602 (Schedule of District Regulations, Agricultural uses) (current through Am. Ord. 2025-16, 6-2-25)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Middletown?
Appendix A Zoning Code Sec. 602 (Schedule of District Regulations, Agricultural uses) (current through Am. Ord. 2025-16, 6-2-25). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Appendix A Zoning Code Sec. 602 (Schedule of District Regulations, Agricultural uses) (current through Am. Ord. 2025-16, 6-2-25) — read the official code
“Livestock farms, excluding raising swine, which is prohibited — Y [R60] Y [R40] Y [R30] N [R20] N [R10] N [RM] ... Livestock farm or animal husbandry services — [min lot] 100,000 sq ft” source
“residents must own at least 10 acres to keep chickens ... Director of Zoning and Planning Jim Ennis stated makes ownership pretty much not allowed for the vast majority” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →