| Are chickens allowed in South Burlington? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | Up to 6 on residential lots; Up to 15 on land owned by a fire district |
| Can you have roosters in South Burlington? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | 20 feet from all property lines (or 5 feet with written approval from the neighboring property owner) |
| Application process: | A permit is required |
| More information: | South Burlington City Code |
Planning to raise chickens in South Burlington? Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations first.
- Permit Requirement: Residents are allowed to keep chickens, but an annual permit is required to keep domesticated chickens.
- Maximum Number of Chickens: The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per lot, regardless of the number of dwelling units on the lot.
- Special Case for Condominium Buildings: In residential condominium buildings without individually owned backyards, the maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per such building.
- Limit for Land Owned by a Fire District: The maximum number of chickens allowed on land owned by a fire district is fifteen (15).
- Roosters Not Allowed: No roosters are permitted for keeping in South Burlington.
- No Restriction on Chicken Species: No specific types of chicken species are allowed.
- Personal Use Only: Chickens must be kept for personal use only. Selling eggs, and chicken meat, engaging in chicken breeding, or commercial fertilizer production is prohibited.
- Enclosure Requirement: Chickens must be kept in an enclosure, chicken tractor, or fenced area (chicken pen) during daylight hours.
- Clean and Sanitary Conditions: Enclosures must be kept clean, dry, and odor-free, ensuring a neat and sanitary condition at all times.
- Distance from Property Lines: Henhouses, enclosures, chicken tractors, and fenced areas must be kept at least twenty (20) feet from all property lines.
- Reduction with Neighbor Approval: The distance requirement from a property line can be reduced to five (5) feet with written approval from the neighboring property owner.
- Size of Henhouses: Henhouses shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet and may be located within a structure approved through the Land Development Regulations or be freestanding.
Be aware of city changes to backyard chicken rules. Reach out to South Burlington officials for current information.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Vermont chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24