Backyard chicken keeping has grown in popularity throughout North Dakota as more homeowners seek fresh eggs, greater self-sufficiency, and a stronger connection to where their food comes from. Before setting up a coop or purchasing hens, however, it is important to understand that backyard chicken regulations vary by city and county. While some communities allow residential flocks with few restrictions, others enforce strict zoning rules, permit requirements, and coop regulations.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in North Dakota?
Yes, keeping backyard chickens is generally permitted, but there are no uniform statewide rules governing them. Instead, regulations are determined at the local level, meaning your ability to raise chickens depends on the ordinances in your city or county, along with any restrictions set by your homeowners association (HOA).
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in North Dakota?
Yes, in most cases, a permit will be required. However, requirements for backyard chickens are determined by local city and county regulations rather than state law. Meaning limits or bans on backyard chickens regarding permits, flock sizes, and coop setbacks are established by local ordinances and, in some areas, homeowners’ association (HOA) guidelines, and not the state. As a result, it’s best to check with your local officials to determine if a permit is required.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in North Dakota?
Most cities in North Dakota allow between 4 and 6 backyard chickens, although some rural residential areas may permit 10 or more birds depending on zoning rules. Because North Dakota does not impose statewide restrictions on backyard chickens, the exact number you can keep depends entirely on the regulations established by your local city or county. Rules regarding flock size limits, permit requirements, rooster restrictions, and coop placement standards can vary widely between communities, so it is best to check with your local officials listed below.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
In most areas of North Dakota, chickens are not allowed to roam freely and must be kept inside a secure coop or enclosed run. However, free-ranging rules are regulated at the local level, meaning the exact requirements depend on the ordinances in your city, township, or municipality. Many local laws prohibit poultry from “running at large” in residential neighborhoods, so it is important to check your local regulations before allowing chickens to roam freely.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in North Dakota?
In most areas of North Dakota, roosters are prohibited in residential neighborhoods because of noise complaints and nuisance concerns, even where hens are allowed. Rooster regulations are determined by local city, county, and homeowners association (HOA) rules rather than statewide law. While North Dakota does not enforce a general ban on backyard poultry, many suburban communities restrict or completely prohibit roosters, so it is important to check your local regulations before keeping one.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in North Dakota?
Yes, residents are allowed to sell chicken eggs, and the state’s laws are generally very favorable for small-scale producers. Under the North Dakota Cottage Foods Act and Food Freedom laws, people who sell eggs directly to consumers often face very few licensing and regulatory requirements.
- No egg dealer license is required for most small flock owners selling directly to consumers
- There are no statewide limits on the number of eggs you can sell under these exemptions
- Eggs may be sold from your home, roadside stands, or local farmers’ markets
- Sellers must inform customers that the eggs are produced on a home farm or in a home kitchen
- Direct-to-consumer egg sales are not required to undergo health department inspection
Chicken Laws For Cities in North Dakota
Backyard chicken regulations can differ significantly from one city to another, making it important to verify the rules in your area before getting chickens. Check the table below to locate your local office and learn more about the ordinances and permit requirements in your community.
| Beulah | Planning & Zoning |
| Bismarck | Planning |
| Casselton | Building |
| Devils Lake | Planning |
| Dickinson | Planning & Zoning |
| Fargo | Planning & Development |
| Grand Forks | Planning & Zoning |
| Horace | Planning |
| Jamestown | Planning & Zoning |
| Lincoln | Planning & Zoning |
| Mandan | Planning |
| Minot | Planning |
| New Town | Planning & Zoning |
| Valley City | Planning & Zoning |
| Wahpeton | Planning |
| Watford City | Planning & Zoning |
| West Fargo | Planning & Zoning |
| Williston | Planning & Zoning |
Does Beulah, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed on standard residential lots in Beulah, ND, and therefore, there is no residential chicken permit.
- Allowed Zones
- Chickens permitted only on Agricultural (A)-zoned land
- Agricultural (A) zone requires a 10-acre minimum lot
- All standard residential zones (R-1 through R-7), commercial, and industrial zones are prohibited
- Flock Size & Roosters
- No flock size cap or rooster rules specified; chickens are restricted to Agricultural (A) land only
- No flock size cap or rooster rules specified; chickens are restricted to Agricultural (A) land only
- Coop Rules
- No specific coop construction standards in the ordinance
- Coops treated as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance
- Sheds limited to 12′ × 18′, skid-foundation buildings limited to 12′ × 24′
- A building permit is required for any structure
- Setbacks (Agricultural Zone)
- Front and rear: 50 ft
- Side and street side: 25 ft
- Sheds only: 3 ft from rear and non-street side yard lines
- Sanitation
- Animal areas must be kept clean and free of offensive odors and insects (Ordinance No. 429, Section 5.0107)
- Poultry must not run at large; violations result in impoundment
Contact Beulah City Planning & Zoning at 701-873-4637 with questions.
Does Bismarck, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed inside Bismarck city limits.
Outside City Limits Only (RR / RR5 Zoning Districts)
- Flock Size
- Up to 10 hens allowed
- Roosters prohibited
- Coop Rules
- Fully enclosed coop required
- Must be in a fenced area
- Must meet accessory structure size and setback requirements
- Setbacks
- Coop must be at least 150 feet from any neighboring structure
- Coop must be at least 150 feet from any neighboring structure
- Slaughter & Sale
- Animals must be kept for private use only
- Animals must be kept for private use only
- HOA
- City does not enforce HOA covenants; check CC&Rs independently
- Look up covenants via Burleigh County Recorder’s Office: 701-222-6749
Contact the City of Bismarck Planning Division at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov with questions about your property’s zoning status.
Does Beulah, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard hens are allowed in Casselton, ND, but only with a city permit (application + physical inspection required under Ordinance No. 338).
- Flock Size
- Max 6 hens
- Roosters prohibited
- Coop Rules
- Min. 4 sq ft per chicken, max 6 ft tall, wood or similar materials
- Must be elevated 24 inches OR have a rodent-resistant floor/foundation
- Min. 10 sq ft per chicken in the run, fully enclosed with wood or woven wire
- Setbacks
- Min. 3 ft from any lot line, no front yard placement
- Coop and run must be screened from adjacent properties with a solid opaque fence or wall
- Permit
- Apply to the City, neighbors within 25 ft are notified and can petition for revocation
- Coop and run must pass a physical inspection before approval
- Sanitation
- All feces are disposed of in an airtight container, and no unsanitary conditions or odors reach neighboring properties
Contact the City of Casselton Auditor’s Office at 701-347-4861 or cityoffice@casselton.org to apply and schedule your inspection.
Does Devils Lake, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Devils Lake, ND.
- Flock Size:
- Zero hens permitted, ban applies citywide with no exceptions
- Zero hens permitted, ban applies citywide with no exceptions
- Roosters
- Not permitted
- Not permitted
- Coop Rules
- No coop standards exist under the current ban
- No coop standards exist under the current ban
- Setbacks
- No setback rules codified
- No setback rules codified
- HOA Note
- If the ban is ever lifted, HOA covenants may impose additional restrictions independently of city law
Contact the City of Devils Lake at (701) 662-7600 or visit dvlnd.com/government/city-ordinances for ordinance updates.
Does Dickinson, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not permitted in standard residential zones in Dickinson, ND, and no permit currently exists for those areas.
- Eligible Zones
- Only RA (Residential Agricultural) and Rural Residential zoned properties may keep chickens
- Only RA (Residential Agricultural) and Rural Residential zoned properties may keep chickens
- Setbacks(RA / Rural Residential only)
- Animals must be kept 150 ft from any dwelling unit
- Housing structure must be 50 ft from any property line and 25 ft from any on-site dwelling
- Flock Size & Roosters
- No confirmed flock limit for eligible zones
- Roosters are prohibited; confirm with your local authority
- HOA
- CC&Rs can further restrict chickens even on eligible properties — check independently
Contact the City of Dickinson Planning & Zoning at (701) 456-7020 to confirm current regulations.
Does Fargo, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Fargo, ND, and an annual $10 permit is required through the City Auditor’s Office.
Flock Size
- Up to 6 hens permitted; no roosters allowed
Additional Permit Requirements
- $10/year; must be renewed by February 28 each year
- Application requires a scaled coop diagram, chicken count, and a signed compliance statement
- The initial permit requires a city inspection before chickens are kept
Coop Rules
- Min. 4 sq ft per bird inside coop; max height 6 feet
- Enclosed run required: min. 10 sq ft per bird; max height 6 feet
- Must be predator-proof, well-ventilated, and located in the backyard only
- Chickens are secured inside the coop from sunset to sunrise
Setbacks
- Min. 3 feet from any adjacent property line
- Not permitted in front yards or inside a home or attached garage
Prohibited
- No roosters; no on-site slaughter; no free-ranging without direct adult supervision
Contact the City of Fargo City Auditor’s Office for permits, or Fargo Cass Public Health at 701-241-1360, for questions.
Does Grand Forks, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Grand Forks, ND, but residents must obtain a Fowl Permit issued by Grand Forks Public Health before keeping any birds. Permit approval is determined by the Public Health director, who evaluates potential impacts related to noise, odor, and sanitation. Residents must also obtain written consent from all property owners located within 60 to 65 feet of their property boundary line.
Flock Size
- Max 6 chickens per property
- Total birds across all permitted species capped at 12–15 (verify current limit with the city)
Prohibited Animals
- Roosters not permitted
Coop Rules
- Must be located in the rear yard
- Treated as an accessory structure; may require a separate building permit
Setbacks
- Neighbor consent radius measured from the property line (not the coop)
- Specific numeric setbacks from streets or structures not confirmed, verify with Planning & Zoning
Contact Grand Forks Public Health at 701.787.8100 or grandforksgov.com for permit applications and current requirements.
Does Horace, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Horace, ND. The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance in September 2025, though specific permit requirements must be confirmed with the City.
- Flock Size
- Up to 6 chickens permitted
- Flocks exceeding 50 birds are classified as a feedlot (section 17.6.2)
- Coop Rules
- Maximum structure height: 7 feet
- Sanitation and fencing requirements included
- Setbacks
- Spacing requirements exist, but the exact distances are not publicly confirmed
- Spacing requirements exist, but the exact distances are not publicly confirmed
- HOA
- Check your deed via the Cass County Recorder; HOA rules may prohibit chickens regardless of city ordinance
Contact Horace City Hall at (701) 281-6473 for the full ordinance text, permit application, and setback distances.
Does Jamestown, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Jamestown, ND, but residents must obtain an annual fowl permit from the city before keeping them. The permit expires at the end of each calendar year, and the fee is set by the City Council, so residents should contact the city directly for the current permit cost.
- Flock Size
- Maximum 8 hens per property
- Roosters prohibited
- Coop Rules
- The enclosure must prevent chickens from wandering or flying out
- Must be kept clean, sanitary, free of rodents, vermin, and odors
- Setbacks
- Enclosure must be at least 100 feet from any residence (from older ordinance, verify under Ordinance 1598)
- Enclosure must be at least 100 feet from any residence (from older ordinance, verify under Ordinance 1598)
- Prohibited Animals
- Roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, swine, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, llamas, and snakes are unlawful to keep within city limits
Contact the City of Jamestown City Hall (102 3rd Avenue SE | 701-252-5900) for permit applications, current fees, and the full text of Ordinance 1598.
Does Lincoln, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but backyard chicken regulations are very restrictive. Chickens are permitted only on properties designated as Residential Agricultural (RA). Homes in standard Residential Single Family (R) districts are not allowed to keep chickens at this time, although community members and advocacy groups have continued to push the city to revise the current rules.
Does Mandan, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Mandan, ND, a Backyard Chickens Permit (Ordinance 1306) is required.
Permit Fees
- $100 new application fee, $50 annual renewal, valid for one year, late renewals treated as new applications
Flock Size
- Max 4 hens per lot
- No roosters permitted, must be removed from the flock immediately upon identification
Coop Rules
- Under 120 sq ft, max 8 ft tall, min 4 sq ft per chicken inside coop
- Enclosed, covered run required, min 10 sq ft per chicken
- Rear or side yard only, obscured from street view
- Must prevent rodent infiltration
Setbacks
- Min 10 ft from property lines; min 20 ft from adjacent dwelling
- Coop, run, and manure storage min 20 ft from any drainage area or waterway
Prohibited Animals
- Roosters banned, commercial poultry production not covered under this ordinance
Contact the City of Mandan Planning Department at 701-667-3225 for permit applications and questions about Ordinance 1306.
Does Minot, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Minot, ND.
- Current Law
- City ordinance Sec. 7-6 prohibits keeping “fowl of any kind” within city limits
- City ordinance Sec. 7-6 prohibits keeping “fowl of any kind” within city limits
- Proposed Rules (Not in Force)
- A 2018 ordinance draft failed 2–5 in council vote, a 2023 council discussion outlined possible future rules, but was never enacted
- Max 4 hens, no roosters
- Permit through City Auditor, annual renewal by last day of February
- Coop setback: 3 ft from property line, no front yard placement
- Coop: min 4 sq ft per bird, must be predator-proof, chickens locked in from sunset to sunrise
- No on-site slaughter or breeding
- HOA Note
- Private covenants would override any future city permit if an ordinance ever passes
- Private covenants would override any future city permit if an ordinance ever passes
- Eggs/Meat Sales
- Not addressed in any proposed or current ordinance
- Not addressed in any proposed or current ordinance
- Status
- No zone, permit, or exception currently allows chickens anywhere in the Minot city limits
Contact the City of Minot City Auditor’s Office at info@minotnd.org for ordinance status updates.
Does Beulah, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No confirmed ordinance exists in New Town, ND, that permits or prohibits backyard chickens, and no specific permit requirement has been verified.
- Flock Size & Roosters
- No verified limits, rules unconfirmed for New Town
- No verified limits, rules unconfirmed for New Town
- Coop Rules
- No local specs confirmed; likely treated as an accessory structure subject to zoning rules
- No local specs confirmed; likely treated as an accessory structure subject to zoning rules
- Setbacks
- No property line, dwelling, or street setback distances confirmed
- No property line, dwelling, or street setback distances confirmed
- HOA
- CC&Rs may restrict chickens independently of city rules. Review your deed before proceeding
Contact the City of New Town Planning & Zoning at (203) 270-4276 for more information.
Does Valley City, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, backyard chickens are not allowed in Valley City, ND.
- Prohibited Animals
- Poultry, including chickens, are explicitly banned citywide under Section 5-01-02 of the Valley City Municipal Code
- Poultry, including chickens, are explicitly banned citywide under Section 5-01-02 of the Valley City Municipal Code
- Zoning
- Ban applies to all standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)
- Chickens are only potentially permissible in areas specifically zoned for livestock
- Permit
- No application, fee, or approval pathway exists for residential chicken keeping
- No application, fee, or approval pathway exists for residential chicken keeping
- Flock Size / Coop / Setbacks
- Not applicable, no rules established since keeping chickens is prohibited
- Not applicable, no rules established since keeping chickens is prohibited
- HOA
- Even if city rules change, your HOA may independently prohibit chickens; check your bylaws separately
Contact the Valley City City Attorney’s Office at (701) 845-8136 or cmartineck@valleycity.us with ordinance questions, or the City Assessor’s Office at (701) 845-8122 for zoning classification questions.
Does Wahpeton, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Backyard hens appear to be conditionally allowed in Wahpeton, ND, contact the city directly to confirm the current status.
- Flock Size & Roosters
- No confirmed hen limit, contact the city to confirm
- Roosters are not permitted
- Coop Rules
- Treated as an accessory structure, it must comply with local zoning rules on size and placement
- No verified Wahpeton-specific size, ventilation, or construction requirements available
- Setbacks
- Coops must be placed away from neighboring dwellings; no verified distance in feet confirmed for Wahpeton
- Coops must be placed away from neighboring dwellings; no verified distance in feet confirmed for Wahpeton
- Sanitation
- City code (Sec. 4-1) prohibits the accumulation of animal excrement on any premises within the city
- City code (Sec. 4-1) prohibits the accumulation of animal excrement on any premises within the city
- HOA
- HOA rules can restrict or ban chickens independently of city ordinances. Review your CC&Rs
Contact the City of Wahpeton Zoning Department at City Hall by phone at (712) 337-3522 or at wahpeton.com/ordinancequestions to confirm current ordinance status and permit requirements.
Does Watford, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, chickens are conditionally allowed in Watford City, but only in the A-1 (Agricultural) or RR-1 (Rural Residential) zoning districts, and RR-1 lots require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. Standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, etc.) do not permit chickens at all.
- Zoning & Lot Minimums
- A-1 district: permitted use, lot must be 10+ acres
- RR-1 district: conditional use (CUP required), lot must be 2+ acres
- R-1, R-2, R-3, and other standard residential zones: chickens prohibited
- Flock Size
- Maximum 20 birds (fowl) regardless of lot size or total animal unit allowance
- Each bird = 0.1 Animal Units under the ordinance
- Prohibited Animals
- Roosters are prohibited city-wide
- Roosters are prohibited city-wide
- Setbacks
- Enclosures (≤4 Animal Units): 30 feet from neighboring lot lines in A-1/RR-1, 60 feet from dwelling units elsewhere
- Enclosures (>4 Animal Units): 100 feet from applicable uses
- Coop Rules
- Accessory buildings 120 sq ft or under (not on permanent foundation): no building permit required
- A building permit is required for larger coops; it must meet district setbacks
Contact the City of Watford City Planning & Zoning Department at 701-444-8406 or jwalters@nd.gov for zoning eligibility, CUP applications, and lot-specific questions.
Does West Fargo, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in West Fargo, ND, but residents must obtain a $25 annual permit through the West Fargo Police Department before keeping chickens or installing a coop. The permit must be renewed each December, and the application must include a scaled diagram of the coop and run, the number and species of chickens being kept, and a signed compliance statement. Residents are also required to notify neighboring properties before keeping chickens.
- Flock Size & Prohibited Animals
- Max 6 hens per property
- Roosters prohibited
- Allowed on single-family and two-family residential properties only
- Coop Rules
- Min. 4 sq ft per bird inside coop, max 7 ft height
- Must be elevated 16 inches off the ground (or be a compliant commercial coop) with rodent-resistant construction
- Not allowed in front yard, garage, dwelling unit, or on public easements
- Must be screened from neighboring properties by a solid opaque fence or wall (min. 5 ft height)
- Setbacks
- Min. 10 ft from all property lines
- Min. 3 ft from any adjacent structures
- Sanitation
- Chickens are confined to a coop and run at all times, secured inside the coop from sunset to sunrise
- Manure must be removed frequently; odor violations can result in permit revocation
- Feed stored in metal predator-proof containers inside the coop/run
Contact the West Fargo Police Department at 701-515-5517 or visit westfargond.gov/1300/Permit-for-housing-chickens for permits and questions.
Does Williston, ND, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Williston, ND, and a permit issued by the City Finance Director is required before keeping any hens on your property.
- Flock Size & Prohibited Animals
- Max 4 hens per property
- No roosters permitted
- Permit
- Requires written approval from all adjacent neighbors
- Must include lot size and zoning verification from the City Planning & Zoning Department
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Coop Rules
- Fully enclosed, detached structure only, not inside a home or attached garage
- 4–10 sq ft per chicken inside the coop
- Must be elevated 24 inches off the ground OR built with rodent-resistant construction
- All electrical work by a licensed electrician, no extension cords, GFI protection required
- Setbacks
- Rear yard only, no front or side yard placement
- 10 ft minimum from any adjacent property line
- Chicken Run
- Must be fully enclosed and covered
- 10–20 sq ft per chicken (including coop), fencing max 6 ft tall
Contact the City of Williston Finance Department at 701-577-8100 for permit applications and fee information.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in North Dakota By County
Backyard chicken laws can vary widely across North Dakota counties, so it is important to check the regulations that apply in your area. Use the table below to find your local office and review the specific rules for keeping backyard chickens in your community.
| Adams County | Tax Equalization & Zoning |
| Barnes County | Planning & Zoning |
| Benson County | Zoning Board |
| Billings County | Planning & Zoning |
| Bottineau County | County Website |
| Bowman County | Planning & Zoning |
| Burke County | Planning & Zoning |
| Burleigh County | Building, Planning, & Zoning |
| Cass County | Planning Office |
| Cavalier County | Zoning |
| Dickey County | County Website |
| Divide County | Divide County Home Page Divide County Planning & Zoning Department Divide County Zoning Ordinance |
| Dunn County | Planning & Zoning |
| Eddy County | Zoning |
| Emmons County | County Website |
| Foster County | Planning & Zoning |
| Golden Valley County | Planning & Zoning |
| Grand Forks County | Planning & Zoning |
| Grant County | Planning & Zoning |
| Griggs County | County Website |
| Hettinger County | County Website |
| Kidder County | Kidder County does not have a government website. |
| LaMoure County | County Website |
| Logan County | County Website |
| McHenry County | Planning |
| McIntosh County | County Website |
| McKenzie County | Planning & Zoning |
| McLean County | Planning & Zoning |
| Mercer County | County Website |
| Morton County | Planning & Zoning |
| Mountrail County | Planning & Zoning |
| Nelson County | Planning |
| Oliver County | Planning & Zoning |
| Pembina County | Planning & Zoning |
| Pierce County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ramsey County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ransom County | County Website |
| Renville County | Planning & Zoning |
| Richland County | County Website |
| Rolette County | County Website |
| Sargent County | County Website |
| Sheridan County | Planning & Zoning |
| Sioux County | Sioux County does not have a government website. |
| Slope County | County Website |
| Stark County | Planning & Zoning |
| Steele County | County Website |
| Stutsman County | Zoning |
| Towner County | Planning & Zoning |
| Traill County | Permits & Planning |
| Walsh County | Planning & Zoning |
| Ward County | Planning & Zoning |
| Wells County | Planning & Zoning |
| Williams County | Planning & Zoning |
Find the Right Chicken Coop for Your Backyard Flock
Before bringing chickens home, make sure your coop setup meets your local zoning, flock size, and enclosure requirements, since many North Dakota cities require chickens to remain securely confined. At The Hen House Collection, we offer customizable wooden chicken coops with practical features, including predator-resistant doors, enclosed runs, nesting boxes, proper ventilation, and durable Amish-built construction. One of the biggest advantages of working with The Hen House Collection is the ability to customize your coop layout and features to better align with local regulations and compliance requirements while creating a safe and comfortable space for your flock.
