| Are chickens allowed in Albany? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 6 (depending on lot size) |
| Can you have roosters in Albany? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 25 feet from other dwellings |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Albany City Code |
Step into the realm of urban chicken keeping in Albany and acquaint yourself with the vital parameters and codes of conduct.
- Number of Hens: The City of Albany allows residents to keep up to 6 hens in their backyards.
- License Requirement: You must obtain a license from the City Clerk.
- Rooster Restriction: Roosters are not allowed to be kept within city limits.
- Minimum Lot Area: Your property must have at least 200 square feet of total lot area to keep 2 hens, with an additional 100 square feet for every additional hen.
- Enclosure Requirements: You must provide the hens with a clean, covered, well-ventilated enclosure that is secure from predators and is cleaned regularly.
- Restrictions on Movement: The hens must always be kept in the enclosure or within a fenced area.
- Distance from Dwellings: The enclosure for the hens must be located at least 25 feet from an occupied residential dwelling on an adjoining lot.
- Size Limitations: The total area of all coops or enclosures on a lot must be at most 150 square feet for up to 6 hens.
- Space Requirements: All coops or enclosures must provide a minimum of 4 square feet per hen, and a run must have a minimum of 8 square feet.
- Location Restrictions: The enclosure or coop for hens must be located outside of the front wall plane of a building or the side wall plane of a building facing a street.
- License Compliance: You must obtain a license from the City Clerk and maintain a facility to keep hens compliant with the issuance criteria.
- Prohibition on Slaughtering: There shall be no outdoor slaughtering of hens.
The dynamics of city life can prompt changes in the rules surrounding backyard chickens. That’s why contacting the relevant authorities in Albany is vital to obtain the most up-to-date insights.
Start Raising Chickens
See other New York chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/25/24