Can I keep chickens in Biddeford, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Biddeford allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. III (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 10-55 to 10-63 (Ord. No. 2011.33, adopted 6-7-2011; amended Ord. No. 2012.111, 11-20-2012), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Permit from Code Enforcement required; building permit required for henhouse/pen construction (not required for pre-built coop under 80 sq ft); rear yard only; 10 ft setback from all property lines; vegetative buffering required with non-solid fencing; motion-detector lighting required; max 3 cubic feet manure stored; chickens in henhouse during non-daylight hours. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. III (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 10-55 to 10-63 (Ord. No. 2011.33, adopted 6-7-2011; amended Ord. No. 2012.111, 11-20-2012) |
Biddeford allows up to 6 hens per lot in most zones (12 in RF and SR-1 zones). A Code Enforcement permit is required; roosters and slaughter are prohibited. Henhouses and pens must be in the rear yard with a 10-foot setback from all property lines. Permit fees are set by City Council after public hearing.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Biddeford?
Yes, with conditions — Biddeford allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. III (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 10-55 to 10-63 (Ord. No. 2011.33, adopted 6-7-2011; amended Ord. No. 2012.111, 11-20-2012)).
How many chickens can I keep in Biddeford?
Up to 6 hens. 6 hens in standard residential zones; 12 hens in RF (Rural Frontage) and SR-1 zones per § 10-62. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Biddeford?
Yes — Biddeford requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Biddeford?
No — roosters are prohibited in Biddeford.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Biddeford?
10 feet minimum. Permit from Code Enforcement required; building permit required for henhouse/pen construction (not required for pre-built coop under 80 sq ft); rear yard only; 10 ft setback from all property lines; vegetative buffering required with non-solid fencing; motion-detector lighting required; max 3 cubic feet manure stored; chickens in henhouse during non-daylight hours.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Biddeford?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Biddeford's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Biddeford?
Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. III (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 10-55 to 10-63 (Ord. No. 2011.33, adopted 6-7-2011; amended Ord. No. 2012.111, 11-20-2012). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. III (Domesticated Chickens), §§ 10-55 to 10-63 (Ord. No. 2011.33, adopted 6-7-2011; amended Ord. No. 2012.111, 11-20-2012) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is six per lot regardless of the number of dwelling units on the lot. In the RF and SR-1 Zones, a maximum number of chickens shall be 12 per lot. Only female chickens are allowed. Henhouses and chicken pens shall only be located in rear yards, and are subject to a ten-foot setback from all property lines.” source
“A permit is required from the Code Enforcement Office for the keeping of domesticated chickens. Additionally, a building permit is required for the construction of a henhouse and chicken pen, or the conversion of any existing structure or portion of structure. A building permit shall not be required for a pre-built chicken coup that is less than 80 square feet.” source
“The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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