Can I keep chickens in Derry, NH?
Yes — Derry allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 165 (Zoning), Article XX (Livestock and Fowl), §§ 165-154 through 165-162, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Coop rules | All pens and enclosures must be at least 20 ft from property lines with a covered or wire-mesh roof. Manure must not be stockpiled; minimum 75 ft from wetlands and 150 ft from abutting houses. No commercial use. |
| Code section | Chapter 165 (Zoning), Article XX (Livestock and Fowl), §§ 165-154 through 165-162 |
Derry places no limit on the number of fowl and no minimum lot size — chickens are generally permitted as long as pens comply with setback and housing rules. All enclosures must be at least 20 feet from property lines with covered roofs. No commercial use is allowed and manure must be managed to prevent nuisance.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Derry?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Derry (Chapter 165 (Zoning), Article XX (Livestock and Fowl), §§ 165-154 through 165-162).
How many chickens can I keep in Derry?
Derry sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Derry?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Derry.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Derry?
20 feet minimum. All pens and enclosures must be at least 20 ft from property lines with a covered or wire-mesh roof. Manure must not be stockpiled; minimum 75 ft from wetlands and 150 ft from abutting houses. No commercial use.
What law covers backyard chickens in Derry?
Chapter 165 (Zoning), Article XX (Livestock and Fowl), §§ 165-154 through 165-162. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 165 (Zoning), Article XX (Livestock and Fowl), §§ 165-154 through 165-162 — read the official code
“Livestock shall only be permitted on lots containing one or more acres. There is no lot minimum for fowl, provided they are kept in compliance with the terms of this article. All buildings, pens, kennels, runs and enclosures (excluding pastures) shall be located at a minimum of 20 feet from any property line. Fowl pens shall have wire mesh or poly mesh roofs, or a suitable cover.” 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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