Can I keep chickens in Waterville, ME?
Yes, with conditions — Waterville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 275 Zoning Ordinance, § 275-4.33, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 8,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop must be at least 20 ft from any neighboring residence. Minimum 15 ft side and rear setback required. Meat birds prohibited. Coop and enclosure must be maintained in clean condition. |
| Code section | Ch. 275 Zoning Ordinance, § 275-4.33 |
Waterville allows up to 6 hens on lots of at least 8,000 sq ft. Roosters and meat birds are prohibited. A 15 ft setback from side and rear property lines is required, and the coop must be at least 20 ft from any neighboring home. Slaughter is not permitted. As of March 2026 a citizen referendum was underway to loosen these restrictions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Waterville?
Yes, with conditions — Waterville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ch. 275 Zoning Ordinance, § 275-4.33).
How many chickens can I keep in Waterville?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Waterville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Waterville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Waterville?
15 feet minimum. Coop must be at least 20 ft from any neighboring residence. Minimum 15 ft side and rear setback required. Meat birds prohibited. Coop and enclosure must be maintained in clean condition.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Waterville?
Yes — 8,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Waterville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Waterville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Waterville?
Ch. 275 Zoning Ordinance, § 275-4.33. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 275 Zoning Ordinance, § 275-4.33 — read the official code
“§ 275-4.33 (section confirmed to exist in Ch. 275 Zoning)” source
“The ordinance allows up to six chickens on lots of at least 8,000 square feet, with a 15-foot setback from side and rear property lines and at least 20 feet from the nearest home. Roosters, meat birds and slaughter are 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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