Backyard Chickens in Sudbury, MA

You've moved to the suburbs to have some land, lots of house, and great quality of life. You've started a vegetable garden and have enjoyed the puttering and the fresh produce. Now you're thinking of getting a few chickens so that you can feed them an excellent diet and have fresh eggs of your own.In Sudbury, you'll have to know a few things before you buy the chicks.




Here's a short list of what you'll need to know:

1. Is an Annual Animal Permit Required? yes, a special permit is required, issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals, cost is $100 first year, $50 annual renewal
2. Is a Building Permit for the Coop Required? not if the coop is less than 120 s.f. footprint
3. Is there an Annual Board of Health Inspection Required? yes
4. Are Roosters Permitted? no
5. Are there Lot Size Limitations? no
6. What are the Coop Setbacks from Property Lines? There is a 5' min distance from lot lines.
7. Are there Manure Pile Storage Limitations? This would be dictated by the conditions of the special permit
8. Is there a specific section of the Zoning Bylaws that I can read regarding this? 2313/6200
   (http://www.sudbury.ma.us/documents/dl/5088/ZoningBylaws2010withIndex.pdf)
9. Is there an Agricultural Commission or Committee that I can join? yes email: agricultural@sudbury.ma.us
10. Is there an Agricultural Group that I can contact to get help/info/advice? yes, Sudbury Grange No. 121 Pomona No. 16 , Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesday 8 pm, Grange Hall 326 Concord Rd (beside Town Hall), Contact: Brenda Chamberlain 508-429-5458
11. How do I contact the Board of Health? 978 443-2209 x1379 email: health@sudbury.ma.us
12. How do I contact the Zoning Board of Appeals? 978-639-3387 email: pcd@sudbury.ma.us
13. How do I contact the Building Inspector? (978) 443-2209, x1361  email: building@sudbury.ma.us)