Suffolk County Chickens & Livestock Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Suffolk County does not impose a county-wide ordinance that either permits or bans backyard chickens or livestock keeping. Instead, these regulations fall under the jurisdiction of individual towns and villages through their zoning codes. The zoning classification of a property determines what types of animals may be kept — agricultural and low-density residential zones are generally more permissive, while denser suburban zones typically restrict or prohibit poultry and livestock.

Suffolk County's Chapter 299 (Animals and Insects) provides the county-level framework for animal protection, defining "animal" to include all species of mammals (except humans) and all species of birds. The county law exempts the transportation of horses, cattle, sheep, poultry, and other agricultural livestock in trailers or vehicles designed for that purpose. In county parks, no horses, cattle, livestock, or domestic animals of any kind are permitted on parkland, except that dogs and cats may use designated areas on a leash.

Suffolk County has a historically significant agricultural industry, particularly on the East End in towns like Riverhead, Southold, Southampton, and East Hampton. In agricultural zoning districts and designated Agricultural Districts, livestock and poultry keeping is generally permitted subject to setback and density requirements. In more suburban western towns like Islip, Babylon, and Huntington, zoning codes may restrict chickens to certain lot sizes or prohibit them entirely in residential neighborhoods.

Residents considering keeping backyard chickens should check their town's zoning code for the specific regulations that apply to their property, including limits on the number of birds, rooster prohibitions, coop setback requirements, and any permit or registration obligations.