| Are chickens allowed in Biddeford? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 6 ton 12 (depending on zoning) |
| Can you have roosters in Biddeford? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | No official rules |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | City of Biddeford code enforcement |
If you’re keen on raising chickens in Biddeford, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations.
- Number of Chickens Per Lot: The maximum number of chickens allowed per lot in Biddeford is six. In the RF and SR-1 Zones, the maximum number of chickens allowed is 12.
- No roosters are allowed.
- Permit Required: You must obtain a permit from the Code Enforcement Office to keep backyard chickens in Biddeford.
- Fencing and Screening: Chickens must be kept in a fenced-in area of your property. The fence must be high enough to prevent the chickens from escaping.
- Waste Storage and Removal: Chicken manure must be stored in a covered container. You must also remove the manure from your property on a regular basis.
- Lighting: You must provide adequate lighting for your chickens. The lighting must be on a motion sensor so that it turns off when no motion is detected.
- Proximity to Bodies of Water: If your property is within 100 feet of a body of water, you must take steps to prevent manure from running off into the water. You can do this by installing a roofed enclosure for your manure.
- Insects and Parasites: You must take steps to prevent your chickens from becoming infested with insects and parasites. You can do this by regularly inspecting your chickens and treating them for any problems.
- Prohibited Acts: It is illegal to sell eggs or engage in chicken breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes. It is also illegal to slaughter chickens in Biddeford.
Biddeford officials should be contacted to obtain the most current information since cities can alter their rules regarding backyard chickens over time.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Maine chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24