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Compare on Amazon →Backyard Chickens in Buffalo, New York
Chickens are legal in Buffalo — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Buffalo, New York?
Yes — subject to local rules
- Hen limit
- Up to 5 hens
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Permit
- Required — $25 per hen annually, up to $125
- Setback
- 20 ft from doors or windows of occupied structures other than the applicant's dwelling; 5 ft from side lot lines; 18 in from rear lot lines in most cases
- Zoning
- Rear or backyard only; hens must be kept in both a coop and fenced outdoor enclosure
Last verified: May 2026
View Buffalo ordinance ↗Ordinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
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What the Buffalo Ordinance Says
Buffalo generally prohibits chickens and other fowl in residential and commercial districts unless the household follows the chicken-hen exception in Sections 341-11.1 through 341-11.4.
Under that exception, Buffalo allows domesticated chicken hens in residential districts after the resident receives a license from the City Clerk. The limit is five chicken hens per single-family or multifamily dwelling. Roosters are not allowed.
The license requires an annual fee of $25 per hen, up to a maximum total annual fee of $125. The application asks for the number of hens, coop and enclosure details, a scaled drawing, waste-management information, landlord consent when applicable, tenant consent for multifamily buildings, and adjacent-resident consent.
Coops or cages must be at least 20 feet from any door or window of a dwelling, school, church, or other occupied structure other than the applicant’s own dwelling. They cannot be in front yards or side street yards. The code also sets side and rear lot-line rules, and hens must be kept within both a coop and a fenced outdoor enclosure.
What This Means in Plain English
Buffalo allows a small backyard hen flock, but it is paperwork-heavy. The license, fee, site drawing, neighbor consent, and animal-control inspection all matter.
This is not a “build first, ask later” city. Measure the proposed coop location and gather consents before buying hens.
Practical Considerations
Neighbor Consent
Buffalo’s adjacent-resident consent requirement can be the deciding factor. Talk with neighbors early and explain the number of hens, coop location, and cleaning plan.
Coop Placement
The 20-foot occupied-structure rule and lot-line rules can make narrow city lots difficult. Sketch the yard before choosing a coop.
No Roosters
Buffalo allows hens only. Roosters are prohibited.
Getting Started
- Confirm your property is inside Buffalo city limits.
- Measure the proposed rear-yard coop location.
- Prepare a scaled drawing and waste-management plan.
- Gather landlord, tenant, or adjacent-resident consent if required.
- Apply for the chicken-hen license before buying hens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Buffalo, NY?
Yes. Buffalo allows up to five chicken hens with a city license.
Are roosters allowed in Buffalo?
No. Buffalo prohibits roosters under its chicken-hen exception.
Does Buffalo require a chicken permit or license?
Yes. Buffalo requires a license from the City Clerk and an annual fee of $25 per hen, up to $125.
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After checking the rules
Next Steps for Buffalo Chicken Keepers
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Buffalo's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
View Buffalo Municipal Code ↗Get Backyard Chicken Updates for New York
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