Bill > LD1655

This bill establishes statewide regulations for keeping chickens on private residential property that prevent local governments from completely banning backyard chicken keeping. Specifically, the bill allows homeowners to raise up to 36 chickens (or a higher number set by local regulation) with specific requirements for maintaining their chickens. These requirements include establishing a coop at least 15 feet from property lines, using predator-proof mesh wire with a latched door, providing 4 square feet of inside coop space and 10 square feet of secure outdoor space per chicken, and ensuring that the chickens do not create nuisances like noise or odors or attract predators and rodents. While counties and municipalities cannot prohibit chicken keeping entirely, they can adopt more stringent regulations than the state's baseline standards. The bill aims to provide homeowners with the opportunity to raise chickens for eggs or as pets while also protecting neighboring properties from potential negative impacts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1655&snum=132