Can I keep chickens in Sanford, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Sanford allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 78, Art. VIII, §§ 78-26 through 78-39 (Ord. No. 14-123.13, adopted 9-2-2014), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Henhouse in rear yard only; at least 25 ft from all residences on same and abutting lots; enclosed chicken pen with sturdy wire fencing buried 12 inches in ground; pen covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing; chicken wire not permitted for pen enclosure; enclosure clean, dry, odor-free; hens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours. |
| Code section | Ch. 78, Art. VIII, §§ 78-26 through 78-39 (Ord. No. 14-123.13, adopted 9-2-2014) |
Sanford allows up to 6 female chickens for non-commercial purposes in non-rural residential areas under an annual permit from the Code Enforcement Department. Roosters are prohibited. The henhouse must be in the rear yard, at least 25 ft from any residence on the same or abutting lots, and chickens must be secured at night. Both an annual permit and a building permit for the henhouse are required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Sanford?
Yes, with conditions — Sanford allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 78, Art. VIII, §§ 78-26 through 78-39 (Ord. No. 14-123.13, adopted 9-2-2014)).
How many chickens can I keep in Sanford?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Sanford?
Yes — Sanford requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Sanford?
No — roosters are prohibited in Sanford.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Sanford?
25 feet minimum. Henhouse in rear yard only; at least 25 ft from all residences on same and abutting lots; enclosed chicken pen with sturdy wire fencing buried 12 inches in ground; pen covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing; chicken wire not permitted for pen enclosure; enclosure clean, dry, odor-free; hens secured in henhouse during non-daylight hours.
What law covers backyard chickens in Sanford?
Ch. 78, Art. VIII, §§ 78-26 through 78-39 (Ord. No. 14-123.13, adopted 9-2-2014). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 78, Art. VIII, §§ 78-26 through 78-39 (Ord. No. 14-123.13, adopted 9-2-2014) — read the official code
“A. The maximum number of chickens allowed is six per lot regardless of how many dwelling units are on the lot. B. Only female chickens are allowed. Henhouses and chicken pens shall be located at least 25 feet from all residences on same and abutting lots. An annual permit is required for the keeping of any domesticated chickens in the City of Sanford. Additionally, a building permit is required for the construction of a henhouse and chicken pen.” 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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