Backyard Chickens in Rochester, New York

What the Rochester Ordinance Says

Rochester requires a license to keep chickens and other fowl unless an exception applies. Section 30-12 says chickens, geese, ducks, doves, pigeons, turkeys, or other animals or fowls may not be kept without a license issued under the chapter.

Section 30-15 says licenses are issued by the Chief of Police, expire on June 30, and specify the kind and maximum number of animals or fowls allowed. Section 30-16 lists a $75 fee for each license.

Section 30-19 sets the practical fowl rules. Fowl must be kept on the licensee’s premises. Each fowl must have at least four square feet of coop floor space plus four square feet of runway space. No more than 30 fowl may be kept in an open area of 240 square feet.

Male fowl over four months old may be ordered removed after notice from the Chief of Police that the bird is a nuisance. Coops, runways, and premises must be clean and sanitary, live poultry cannot be kept in a cellar or dwelling area, and coops and runways must be at least 25 feet from any dwelling or building used for continuous daily human occupation.

What This Means in Plain English

Rochester allows backyard fowl with a license, but the rules are more formal than a simple backyard-hen ordinance. The code does not create a hen-only rule, but noisy male birds can become a problem if the Chief of Police determines they are a nuisance.

The practical flock limit depends on the license and available space. The code’s open-area rule caps the density at no more than 30 fowl in 240 square feet.

Practical Considerations

Space Planning

The 25-foot setback from dwellings and daily-use buildings is the key issue for ordinary lots. Measure before buying a coop.

Roosters and Male Fowl

The reviewed code does not ban all male fowl outright, but male fowl over four months old may be removed after nuisance notice. Roosters are risky in residential neighborhoods.

License First

Because the license specifies the kind and maximum number of fowl, do not assume the theoretical density rule is automatic approval for 30 birds.

Getting Started

1. Contact the city about the animal or fowl license process.
2. Measure the coop and run location against the 25-foot rule.
3. Plan at least four square feet of coop floor space and four square feet of runway space per bird.
4. Avoid roosters unless the city confirms your plan is acceptable.
5. Keep the coop clean and available for inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Rochester, NY?

Yes. Rochester allows chickens and other fowl with a license.

How many chickens can I have in Rochester?

The reviewed code says no more than 30 fowl may be kept in an open area of 240 square feet, but the license itself specifies the approved maximum.

Are roosters allowed in Rochester?

The reviewed code does not create a simple rooster ban, but male fowl over four months old may be removed after nuisance notice from the Chief of Police.