Can I keep chickens in Cumberland, RI?
Yes, with conditions — Cumberland allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Ordinance Art. 6 Sec. 6-5 (Animals, R-1/R-2 Supplementary Regulations), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Animals must be housed; all buildings and enclosures housing livestock must be located no less than 25 feet from the property line; properties containing more than one residential unit do not qualify |
| Code section | Zoning Ordinance Art. 6 Sec. 6-5 (Animals, R-1/R-2 Supplementary Regulations) |
In R-1 and R-2 residential zones, up to 5 birds or fowl may be kept per single-family dwelling unit for personal use. No roosters. Birds must be housed, and any building or enclosure must be at least 25 feet from the property line. Multi-unit residential properties do not qualify. Status in other residential zones is unclear.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Cumberland?
Yes, with conditions — Cumberland allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Ordinance Art. 6 Sec. 6-5 (Animals, R-1/R-2 Supplementary Regulations)).
How many chickens can I keep in Cumberland?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Cumberland?
No — roosters are prohibited in Cumberland.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Cumberland?
25 feet minimum. Animals must be housed; all buildings and enclosures housing livestock must be located no less than 25 feet from the property line; properties containing more than one residential unit do not qualify
What law covers backyard chickens in Cumberland?
Zoning Ordinance Art. 6 Sec. 6-5 (Animals, R-1/R-2 Supplementary Regulations). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Ordinance Art. 6 Sec. 6-5 (Animals, R-1/R-2 Supplementary Regulations) — read the official code
“Within the R-1 and R-2 zones, animals for personal use are allowed as follows: A maximum of five birds, fowl or other animals may be kept for each single-family dwelling unit provided that no roosters shall be kept, and provided that such allowable livestock are housed and that any building and/or enclosures which house such livestock be located no less than 25 feet from the property line. Properties containing more than one residential unit do not qualify under this provision.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →