Can I keep chickens in Meriden, CT?
Yes, with conditions — Meriden allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Enclosure max 200 sq ft, located in rear yard, min 10 sq ft ground area per animal. Enclosure setbacks: 25 ft from street, 15 ft from any residential dwelling, 5 ft from property line. Coop setback 10 ft from property line, min 3 sq ft per animal. Coop must be predator-proof, ventilated, watertight. Food in rodent-proof containers. Waste composted no closer than 50 ft from property line. Indoor harvesting permitted; outdoor slaughter prohibited. |
| Code section | Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov) |
Meriden conditionally permits poultry in R-R, S-R, R-1, and R-2 zones with a Zoning Permit. Lots under 40,000 sq ft: 6 hens; lots 40,000 sq ft or larger: up to 12. Roosters and male turkeys prohibited. Indoor slaughter permitted; outdoor slaughter prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Meriden?
Yes, with conditions — Meriden allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov)).
How many chickens can I keep in Meriden?
Up to 12 hens. Tiered by lot size: 6 up to 39,999 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Meriden?
Yes — Meriden requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Meriden?
No — roosters are prohibited in Meriden.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Meriden?
5 feet minimum. Enclosure max 200 sq ft, located in rear yard, min 10 sq ft ground area per animal. Enclosure setbacks: 25 ft from street, 15 ft from any residential dwelling, 5 ft from property line. Coop setback 10 ft from property line, min 3 sq ft per animal. Coop must be predator-proof, ventilated, watertight. Food in rodent-proof containers. Waste composted no closer than 50 ft from property line. Indoor harvesting permitted; outdoor slaughter prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Meriden?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov).
What law covers backyard chickens in Meriden?
Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning § 213-16C(5); confirmed via official city publication (meridenct.gov) — read the official code
“A ZONING PERMIT must be obtained for approval of keeping poultry. The keeping of poultry is allowed as a noncommercial accessory use in the R-R, S-R, R-1, R-2 zones subject to a Zoning Permit. The number of poultry allowed is restricted to six (6) hens. Rooster (male chickens) and Toms (male turkeys) are prohibited. The enclosure shall be located in the rear yard with set-backs of 25 from street, 15 from any house, and 5 from property line. Poultry shall be humanely harvested within a structure such as a home, barn, shed, or garage. Outdoor harvesting is prohibited.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →