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Can I keep chickens in Portsmouth, NH?
Allowed with approval City in Rockingham County · Checked October 28, 2026
Hen limitNo fixed number in the ordinance; the Zoning Board sets one (for example, a 2024 approval allowed up to 6, no roosters)
RoostersSet case by case by the Zoning Board; recent approvals have banned roosters
Lot size & where"Keeping of farm animals" is a special exception (S) in the R, SRA and SRB districts and not allowed (N) in other districts, which need a variance
Coop setbacksCoops must meet accessory-structure setbacks (for example, a small shed up to 10 ft tall and 100 sq ft must be at least 5 ft from lot lines)
Permit needed?Yes. You need a Zoning Board of Adjustment special exception (or a variance), then a building permit for the coop
Other rules to know
- Portsmouth treats chickens as "farm animals," which it defines as any animal other than a household pet
What the ordinance says
"17.20 Keeping of farm animals: S (R), S (SRA/SRB), N (all other districts)"
Source: Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance § 10.440, Table of Uses, Use 17.20 "Keeping of farm animals". Checked October 28, 2026.
Example decision: Zoning Board letter, October 25, 2024 ("no more than 6 chickens, and no roosters").
Confirm with Portsmouth before you build. Rules change, and HOA or deed rules can be stricter.