Can I keep chickens in Elsmere, DE?
No — Elsmere does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Chapter 71 Animals, §71-11 and §71-12, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Code section | Chapter 71 Animals, §71-11 and §71-12 |
Chickens are prohibited in Elsmere under §71-11. Section 71-12 provides a narrow medical exception requiring documentation but does not create a general right to keep chickens. The prohibition applies throughout town limits.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Elsmere?
No — chickens are not allowed in Elsmere (Chapter 71 Animals, §71-11 and §71-12).
What law covers backyard chickens in Elsmere?
Chapter 71 Animals, §71-11 and §71-12. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 71 Animals, §71-11 and §71-12 — read the official code
“§71-11: Keeping of chickens within the Town of Elsmere is prohibited. §71-12: Medical exception requires documentation; does not create general right to keep chickens.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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