Can I keep chickens in North Smithfield, RI?
Yes — North Smithfield allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited. (Ch. 123 Art. III Sec. 123-27 (Maximum chicken hens permitted), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Maximum 8 ft height, maximum 64 sq ft footprint; minimum 2 sq ft per hen; covered, predator-resistant, well-ventilated; permeable surface required; principal dwelling setback distances apply; hens confined to backyard only; property may not abut a main road; registration with Building/Zoning Official required including submission and approval of construction plans |
| Code section | Ch. 123 Art. III Sec. 123-27 (Maximum chicken hens permitted) |
North Smithfield permits up to 12 chicken hens where allowed by Ch. 340 Zoning. A hen house is required with a maximum 64 sq ft footprint and 8 ft height. Roosters are prohibited and commercial slaughter and sale are not permitted. Registration with the Building/Zoning Official is required before keeping hens, including plan approval.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in North Smithfield?
Yes — chickens are allowed in North Smithfield (Ch. 123 Art. III Sec. 123-27 (Maximum chicken hens permitted)).
How many chickens can I keep in North Smithfield?
Up to 12 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in North Smithfield?
Yes — North Smithfield requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in North Smithfield?
No — roosters are prohibited in North Smithfield.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in North Smithfield?
No — slaughter is not permitted under North Smithfield's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in North Smithfield?
Ch. 123 Art. III Sec. 123-27 (Maximum chicken hens permitted). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 123 Art. III Sec. 123-27 (Maximum chicken hens permitted) — read the official code
“Sec. 123-27A: A maximum of 12 chicken hens shall be allowed where permitted by Chapter 340 Zoning. Sec. 123-27B: Roosters are prohibited. Sec. 123-27C: A henhouse, having a maximum height of eight feet and a maximum area of 64 square feet, with a minimum of two square feet per hen, shall be required. Sec. 123-27I: Registration is required as a condition precedent to keeping chicken hens, including inspection/approval of construction plans by the Building/Zoning Official. Sec. 123-27G: The keeping of chicken hens shall not be construed to allow for the commercial slaughter and sale of chicken hens.” 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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