Backyard Chickens in Syracuse, New York

What the Syracuse Zoning Ordinance Says

Syracuse regulates hens under its zoning ordinance for accessory animal uses. The reviewed July 2024 zoning ordinance allows no more than six total hens and/or rabbits per property.

Only hens, meaning female chickens, are allowed. Roosters and other wild or dangerous animals are prohibited. The ordinance also prohibits slaughtering hens or rabbits on site.

Hens must be kept in a coop. The coop must be predator resistant, clean, free from offensive odors, no larger than 120 square feet, and provide at least four square feet of space per animal. It cannot exceed six feet in height. It must be in the rear yard, at least five feet from side or rear property lines, and at least 25 feet from any adjacent dwelling.

The ordinance also requires ranging space in the rear yard. If a run or enclosure is used, hens or rabbits need at least 20 square feet of permeable surface per animal. Hens and rabbits must be kept in the required enclosure from dusk until dawn.

What This Means in Plain English

Syracuse allows small backyard hen flocks, but the six-animal cap includes rabbits. If you already keep rabbits under this accessory animal rule, they count toward the same total.

The coop rules are clear and relatively workable for many city lots, but the 25-foot adjacent-dwelling setback is the first thing to measure.

Practical Considerations

Count Hens and Rabbits Together

The limit is six total hens and/or rabbits, not six hens plus six rabbits.

Rear Yard Layout

Your coop needs a rear-yard location with both the five-foot property-line setback and the 25-foot adjacent-dwelling setback.

No Roosters

Only female chickens are allowed under the reviewed ordinance.

Getting Started

1. Count any rabbits before choosing flock size.
2. Measure the rear yard for the 5-foot and 25-foot setbacks.
3. Choose a predator-resistant coop under 120 square feet and six feet tall.
4. Provide at least four square feet of coop space per animal.
5. Keep hens enclosed from dusk until dawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Syracuse, NY?

Yes. Syracuse allows hens as an accessory animal use, subject to the zoning ordinance.

How many hens can I have in Syracuse?

Syracuse allows no more than six total hens and/or rabbits per property.

Are roosters allowed in Syracuse?

No. Only hens, or female chickens, are allowed.