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Can I keep chickens in Concord, NH?
Hens allowed City in Merrimack County · Checked October 28, 2026
Hen limitUp to 5 hens (on lots under one acre)
RoostersProhibited
Lot size & whereApplies to lots under 1 acre, single-family detached homes only
Coop setbacksCoops, runs, and manure storage in side or rear yards, at least 30 ft from any lot line
Permit needed?Not stated in the ordinance; ask Concord Code Administration
Other rules to know
- No egg sales, breeding, or on-site slaughtering
- Hens must be kept in structures and fenced areas, not roaming free
- No more than 3 cubic ft of manure stored, fully enclosed
- A 2019 proposal to cut the setback to 5 ft was voted down by the City Council in January 2021, so 30 ft still applies
What the ordinance says
"Up to five (5) chickens of any breed may be kept on a lot less than one acre in size. Only female chickens are allowed to be kept. Male chickens are prohibited."
Source: Concord Code of Ordinances § 28-5-50, Keeping of Chickens as Pets Accessory to a Residential Use. Checked October 28, 2026.
Quote is from the city's 2019 amendment file, which reprints the full § 28-5-50 text. That amendment (30 ft to 5 ft) was rejected, so the 30 ft setback in the current code stands.
Confirm with Concord before you build. Rules change, and HOA or deed rules can be stricter.