Athol Massachusetts Chicken Ordinance
NOTE: This information was submitted by a member of our chicken forum. Please make sure to double check that this information is accurate before you proceed with raising chickens. Learn more about local chicken laws and ordinances.
| Are Chickens Allowed in this location | yes, depending on zoning district (RB and RC okay) |
| Max Chickens Allowed | 12, or special permission |
| Roosters Allowed | with special permission |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Coop Restrictions | Must comply with regulations in section 3.2, Accessory Buildings and Uses |
| City/Organization Contact name | Building Department Athol Town Hall 584 Main Street, Room 4 Athol, MA 01331 978-249-3834 [email protected] |
| Additional Information | 3.23 Accessory Agriculture 3.23.1 Purpose and Intent To permit as an accessory use on single-family residential premises, the raising and keeping for non-commercial purposes of horses, livestock, or other farm animals by the owner of the land on which the use is located. 3.23.2 Definitions Farm Animals: Domestic animals raised to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. Livestock: Domestic animals, such as cattle or horses, raised for home use or for profit. Poultry: Domestic fowls, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese, raised for meat or eggs. Poultry Hen: Domestic female chicken. Rooster: Adult male chicken. 3.23.3 The Accessory Agriculture use shall only be permitted in the Medium Single-Family Residential (RB), Rural Single-Family Residential (RC), and Industrial Commercial (I) zoning districts. 3.23.4 No minimum acreage shall be required for this bylaw. 71 3.23.5 For the keeping of twelve (12) poultry hens or less, the applicant shall submit an “APPLICATION FOR USE OR CHANGE OF USE” form with the building department. 3.23.6 For the keeping of more than twelve (12) poultry hens, or any quantity of roosters, livestock or other farm animals, the applicant shall submit an “APPLICATION FOR USE OR CHANGE OF USE” form with the building department and shall also obtain a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. 3.23.7 Structures housing poultry shall comply with the regulations defined in section 3.2, Accessory Buildings and Uses. |
| Link for more Information | http://www.athol-ma.gov/department/index.php?fDD=10-0 |
| Information Last Updated | 30 May 2014 |
NOTE: This information was submitted by a member of our chicken forum. Please make sure to double check that this information is accurate before you proceed with raising chickens. Learn more about local chicken laws and ordinances.
