Can I keep backyard chickens in Scarborough, Maine?
Yes. Scarborough allows backyard chickens as an accessory agricultural activity in most residential zones: up to 5 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, up to 10 on lots of 10,000–39,999 sq ft, and any number on lots of 40,000 sq ft or more. Roosters are not allowed except on RF lots of at least 80,000 sq ft, and the henhouse must be at least 15 feet from property lines (or the district setback, if greater).
| Zones | Permitted in RF, R2, R3, R4, R4A, VR-2, VR-4; contract zone listed in RFM [1] |
| Lots under 10,000 sq ft | Up to 5 chickens [2] |
| Lots 10,000–39,999 sq ft | Up to 10 chickens [3] |
| Lots 40,000 sq ft or more | Any number [4] |
| Roosters | Not allowed unless an RF lot of at least 80,000 sq ft [5] |
| Henhouse setback | 15 ft from any property line or district setback, whichever is greater [6] |
| Goats, sheep, other small animals | Lots of at least 40,000 sq ft [7] |
| Horses, cows, other large animals | Lots of at least 80,000 sq ft [8] |
Allowed in residential zones
The combined use table marks Accessory Agricultural Activities as permitted ("P") in the RF, R2, R3, R4, R4A, VR-2 and VR-4 residential districts, subject to Section IX.P [1]. The table row is a string of district codes; in the RFM district the entry is "CZ" (contract zone required) rather than P. State law has barred towns from prohibiting hens on residential property since September 24, 2025, so the RFM requirement may be overridden for a backyard flock. The ordinance does not list a separate chicken permit or license.
How many chickens
The number depends on lot area: up to 5 chickens under 10,000 sq ft [2], up to 10 from 10,000 to under 40,000 sq ft [3], and any number at 40,000 sq ft or more [4].
Roosters
All chickens must be female unless the lot is in the RF (Rural Farming) district and has at least 80,000 sq ft [5].
Coop and enclosure rules
The henhouse must be fully enclosed with a roof and a lockable door, built of substantial materials, visually compatible with the property, and set back at least 15 feet from any property line or the district's minimum setback, whichever is greater [6]. Since the side and rear setback in the main residential districts is 15 feet, 15 feet is the usual figure, but check front-yard setbacks if the coop is near the street. On lots under 40,000 sq ft, chickens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times (a mobile "chicken tractor" counts), and all birds must be in the henhouse during non-daylight hours. Coops must be kept clean, dry and odor free, and manure stored in enclosed structures or airtight containers and removed or composted.
Other animals
Small animals such as sheep, goats, pot-bellied pigs or other fowl under about 100 lb need at least 40,000 sq ft [7]; large animals such as horses, cows or llamas need at least 80,000 sq ft [8]. Buildings housing those animals must meet zone setbacks. Selling surplus eggs from a small stand of up to 20 sq ft is allowed.
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Next steps
- Look up your lot area (assessor's card or deed) to find your chicken limit.
- Site the henhouse at least 15 feet from every property line (and outside the front-yard setback).
- Building a coop is construction of a structure; ask Scarborough Planning & Codes, (207) 730-4040, whether a building permit is needed for your coop's size.
- If you are in a shoreland or wetland buffer area, confirm placement with Code Enforcement before building.
Common questions
- Can I have chickens in Scarborough, Maine?
- Yes. Scarborough allows backyard chickens as an accessory agricultural activity in most residential zones. The ordinance lists no separate chicken permit or license.
- How many chickens can I have in Scarborough, Maine?
- It depends on lot size: up to 5 on lots under 10,000 sq ft, up to 10 on lots of 10,000 to 39,999 sq ft, and any number on lots of 40,000 sq ft or more.
- Are roosters allowed in Scarborough, Maine?
- No, except on RF-district lots of at least 80,000 sq ft. All chickens must otherwise be female.
- How far from the property line does a chicken coop have to be in Scarborough, Maine?
- The henhouse must be at least 15 feet from any property line, or the district's minimum setback if that is greater. It must be fully enclosed with a roof and lockable door.
Maine's backyard chicken law
Towns can't ban hens outright. Since September 24, 2025, state law (7 M.R.S. §219-D, from LD 1655) says a town or county may not adopt an ordinance that prohibits a person from keeping chickens on their own residential property.
- The law defines "chicken" as a female domesticated bird raised for meat or eggs. Fully mature roosters aren't covered, so towns can still ban or limit them.
- The law also says it does not limit a town's "home rule" authority. In practice towns appear to keep the power to regulate how hens are kept, such as how many, coop location and setbacks, and sanitation, as long as the rules don't amount to a ban. The law is new, and courts haven't yet tested how far towns can go.
- Older ordinances that ban chickens in some zones may still be on the books but conflict with this law. Ask your town how it's applying them.
Right to Farm. Maine's Right to Farm law (7 M.R.S. §151 et seq.) protects farm operations connected to the commercial production of agricultural products from nuisance claims. A small flock kept just for your own eggs likely isn't covered.
Private deed covenants or HOA rules aren't addressed by the law and may still limit chickens.
What the ordinance says
- Section XIII.A Use Tables – Accessory Agricultural Activities, Zoning Ordinance Section XIII.A – Combined Zoning District Use Tables, p. 2
Accessory Agricultural Activities Section IX.P. P CZ P P P P P P P C22 P P C21 P P P P P P C8 P P
- Section IX.P.1.a, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
Up to five (5) chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
- Section IX.P.1.b, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
Up to ten (10) chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more but less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet.
- Section IX.P.1.c, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
Any number of chickens may be kept on a lot with a lot area of forty thousand (40,000) square feet or more.
- Section IX.P.1.d, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
All chickens must be female unless on lots in the RF with a lot area of at least eighty thousand (80,000) square feet.
- Section IX.P.1.g, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
The hen house must be setback from any property line at least fifteen feet or the minimum required setback for the district in which it is located, whichever is greater
- Section IX.P.2, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
Small animals (such as sheep, goats, pot-belly pigs, or fowl that typically weigh not more than 100 pounds at maturity) other than domestic pets or chickens may be kept on a lot that has a lot area of at least 40,000 square feet.
- Section IX.P.3, Zoning Ordinance Section IX – Performance Standards, p. 36
Large animals (such as horses, cows, hogs, or llamas that typically weigh more than 100 pounds at maturity) may be kept on a lot that has a lot area of at least 80,000 square feet.