Backyard Chickens in New Rochelle, New York

What the New Rochelle Code Says

New Rochelle regulates farm animals in Chapter 89, Article VII. The code’s legislative findings say that keeping farm animals, including avian species, on parcels with inadequate size and setbacks can create odors and other public-welfare concerns.

Section 89-18 says no person may keep, permit, harbor, or raise a farm animal, including avian species, on a parcel of land comprising less than two acres. The rule also requires at least one acre of land for each such animal and at least 50 feet from the property line of an adjacent residential property.

What This Means in Plain English

For typical residential lots in New Rochelle, backyard chickens are effectively not allowed. The land-area rule is far beyond what most city homeowners can meet.

This page treats New Rochelle as prohibited for ordinary backyard hen keeping because a normal small-lot chicken setup would not satisfy the two-acre and one-acre-per-animal requirements.

Practical Considerations

Lot Size Is the Key Barrier

Even a small flock would require acreage under the reviewed rule. A standard backyard will not qualify.

Do Not Assume Hens Are Exempt

The code refers broadly to farm animals including avian species. Chickens are birds, so ordinary backyard hens should not be treated as exempt without city confirmation.

Verify Unusual Properties

If you own unusually large property inside New Rochelle, confirm the acreage, per-animal land area, and 50-foot residential property-line setback with the city.

Getting Started

1. Confirm whether your property is inside New Rochelle city limits.
2. Review Chapter 89, Article VII directly.
3. Check your parcel size before buying birds.
4. Contact the city if you believe your property meets the acreage rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in New Rochelle, NY?

Not on a typical residential lot. The reviewed code requires at least two acres and at least one acre per farm animal, including avian species.

Are roosters allowed in New Rochelle?

No for ordinary backyard purposes. Typical residential chicken keeping is effectively prohibited by the land-area requirements.

Does New Rochelle have a backyard chicken permit?

The reviewed code does not provide a simple backyard-hen permit for ordinary residential lots.