Backyard Chickens in Yonkers, New York

What the Yonkers Code Says

Yonkers regulates poultry and other birds in Chapter 65, Section 65-23. The section says no person may keep, cause, or allow poultry, fowl, or other birds to be kept on or about any premises or property except as provided in the listed exceptions.

The listed exceptions cover live poultry kept for sale in a live poultry market, certain small birds sold at mercantile establishments, and similar small birds kept as domestic pets when they do not create a health nuisance.

The reviewed exceptions do not create a normal backyard chicken allowance for residential hen flocks.

What This Means in Plain English

For ordinary residential backyard chicken keeping, Yonkers should be treated as a no-chickens city. Do not buy hens or build a coop unless the city confirms that a specific exception applies to your situation.

The exceptions are not written like a backyard-hen permit program. They are aimed at poultry markets and small pet birds such as lovebirds, canaries, and parakeets.

Practical Considerations

Check Before You Spend Money

Yonkers is not a good place to assume hens are allowed. Contact the city before buying birds, a prefab coop, or fencing.

Nearby Cities Differ

Other New York municipalities have different rules. Do not rely on a nearby city’s chicken policy if your property is inside Yonkers.

Watch for Local Changes

Backyard-chicken rules can change after local advocacy. Recheck the municipal code before making plans.

Getting Started

1. Confirm your property is within Yonkers city limits.
2. Review Section 65-23 directly.
3. Contact the city if you believe an exception applies.
4. Do not buy birds or a coop for ordinary backyard use unless the city confirms it is legal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Yonkers, NY?

No. For ordinary residential backyard purposes, Yonkers does not allow chickens under the reviewed code.

Are roosters allowed in Yonkers?

No. Ordinary backyard chickens are not allowed, so roosters are not allowed for residential backyard use.

Is there a backyard chicken permit in Yonkers?

The reviewed code does not provide a standard backyard chicken permit for residential hen keeping.