Can I Have Chickens In My Backyard in South Dakota?

Raising backyard chickens has become an increasingly popular pastime. Many people are drawn to lower egg costs and access to farm-fresh eggs. However, interest often fades when local regulations prove unclear or inconsistent.

Some areas allow backyard chickens, while others prohibit them entirely. Certain cities impose detailed requirements, while others only enforce general guidelines.

This guide exists to simplify that process. Instead of searching through scattered ordinances, navigating complicated legal language, or waiting on hold for basic answers, the information below outlines backyard chicken rules across South Dakota counties and several key cities in one place.

Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in South Dakota?

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in some parts of South Dakota, but the rules depend on the city. For example, Sioux Falls allows up to six chickens, while Spearfish does not permit backyard chickens at all. To find out what is allowed in your city, keep reading.

Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in South Dakota?

Yes, most areas require a permit of some sort. Typically, you will need both a permit to keep them and a permit for your chicken coop or enclosure, depending on its size. You can skip ahead to see what your area’s permit requirements are.

How Many Chickens Can I Have in South Dakota?

It depends on where you live, but on average, you can have around 6 chickens. Of course, it varies, with Aberdeen allowing up to 12 chickens and Vermillion allowing only 3. To determine how many chickens you can have, check with your local planning or zoning department.

Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?

No, all areas that allow backyard chickens require that they be kept in some sort of coop or other enclosure. In addition, they have standards regarding size, cleanliness, and predator-proofing.

If you need help meeting your area’s requirements for backyard chicken coops, The Hen House Collection can help you build a custom chicken coop that complies with local requirements.

Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in South Dakota?

No, most areas prohibit them, especially on residential properties. You may be able to have them if your property is zoned for agricultural or commercial uses or is over a certain size. 

Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in South Dakota?

Yes, you can sell chicken eggs in South Dakota, but you must follow state rules and licensing requirements. Cities and towns may also have rules about keeping backyard chickens that affect whether you can produce eggs for sale. Most places only allow chickens on residential properties if they are kept for personal use. 

To sell eggs more broadly, you must obtain an egg dealer license from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. Producers who sell and deliver their own eggs directly to customers without using a third party are excepted from the dealer license requirement under state law, but many sales venues such as farmers markets or retail outlets do require a license.

Chicken Laws For Cities in South Dakota

Below is a list of South Dakota cities along with the appropriate government contacts to help you determine if backyard chickens are allowed. Click your city’s name on the left side of the chart to view its backyard chicken requirements. You can also click the contact listed on the right side for additional information.

Does Aberdeen, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, with a permit you can keep chickens in your backyard, but you must comply with the following requirements:

• Number of Chickens:

• Coop Requirements:
  • Located in rear or side yard only
  • Must meet setback requirements of your zoning district
  • Must be 20 feet from neighboring dwellings and any storm drainage areas
  • It must be kept clean and in a condition that doesn’t constitute a nuisance

To obtain the required permit, meet setback requirements, and ensure compliance with all provisions of the city’s backyard chicken keeping ordinance, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

It appears that they may be permitted in residential areas that allow for “light agricultural use”, but specific details are unclear. To determine exactly what the city allows, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Box Elder, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, the city currently prohibits the keeping of any poultry, including chickens, duck, and geese. While discussions centered around updating this ordinance have occurred, no changes have been made as of 2025. For up to date and accurate information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Brandon, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but you must obtain a permit certifying the following standards are met:

• Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
• Coop Requirements:
  • Located in the rear or side yard only
  • Setback 5 feet from the rear and side yard lines
  • No larger than 30 square feet
  • Attached run may be no larger than 60 square feet
  • Must be 25 feet from any nearby dwelling

A site plan detailing the location of your chicken coop and run along with distances from property lines, drainage easements, and distances from nearby dwellings must be included in your permit application. To ensure approval, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Brookings, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city of Brookings, South Dakota, may allow backyard chickens in accordance with the following conditions from a pilot program in 2015. However, it’s unclear if these rules have officially been signed into law. For an update on the status of this ordinance, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

If the city follows the rules of the pilot program, you can have backyard chickens with a permit certifying that the following standards are met:

• Number of Chickens: 6 hens
• Coop Requirements: Setback 25 feet from any nearby dwelling

Additional requirements may apply. Because specific details on the status of the ordinance are unclear, be sure to consult with the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Harrisburg, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only with a permit that can be revoked if the following conditions are not met:

• Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
• Coop Requirements:
  • Located in the side or rear yard
  • Must be 3 feet from the side or rear property lines
  • May not occupy more than 30% of the side or rear yard
  • It must be kept in clean and sanitary condition

To ensure compliance with all applicable standards and to submit your permit application, reach out to the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Huron, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, it appears that Huron residents are permitted from keeping animals within city limits outside of agricultural and commercial uses. For more information, contact the Inspections & Planning Department.

Does Mitchell, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

No, the city currently prohibits them in residential areas within the city, meaning you can only have them on a property zoned for agricultural or commercial use. Even then, they must be located 100 feet from any occupied dwelling. For an update on current backyard chicken laws or to advocate for change, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Pierre, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

You can have backyard chickens in Pierre, but only if your property is zoned for animal husbandry and you’ve received approval on a livestock license. However, it’s important to note that properties zoned for animal husbandry are typically not located in residential zoning districts, making it unlikely that the average homeowner can have them. 

To determine if your property is zoned for animal husbandry, contact the City Planning Commission.

Does Rapid City, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but like Pierre, the requirements are very strict, making it unlikely that you’ll be able to keep them. In order to have chickens in your backyard in Rapid City, your property must be at least 3 acres and your chicken coop must be able to be located 150 feet from any neighboring dwelling. 

If you would like to see this change, reach out to the city council.

Does Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

The city of Sioux Falls does allow urban livestock, including chickens, under the following conditions:

• Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
• Permit: Must be obtained from the Animal Control Supervisor
• Coop Requirements:
  • Must be located 25 feet from any nearby residence
  • Building permit required for coop over 200 square feet

To ensure compliance with all zoning, placement, and other backyard chicken keeping regulations, contact the Planning & Development Department. 

Does Spearfish, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

You may only have chickens on your property if it is properly zoned for keeping animals and if the coop is located 100 feet from any home, business, or other occupied building. This makes it so that backyard chickens are not allowed in most residential districts. 

If you’d like to see more backyard chicken friendly legislation introduced, reach out to the Planning Commission. To determine if your property is eligible for backyard chickens, contact the Planning & Zoning Department. 

Does Sturgis, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, the city of Sturgis does allow backyard chickens, subject to the following requirements:

• Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
• Wings must be clipped
• Must be registered with the city
• Coop Requirements:
  • Must meet setbacks of your zoning district
  • Must be kept in clean and sanitary condition
  • Built with durable materials to prevent access from predators
  • No taller than 8 feet

Contact the Planning & Zoning Department to confirm setback requirements and register your chickens.

Does Tea, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, you can have up to 6 hens in your backyard so long as your coop meets setback requirements. For more details on the city’s requirements, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Does Vermillion, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but you must do so in accordance with the following requirements:

• Number of Chickens: 3 hens, more may be permitted with a special permit. No roosters.
• Chickens must have leg bands
• Coop Requirements:
  • Located in rear or side yard
  • Setback at least 5 feet from side or rear yard
  • Rodent-proof
  • Must be 25 feet from any dwelling

To ensure compliance with setback and placement requirements in your zoning district, contact the Planning & Zoning Department. For permits, reach out to the Animal Control Supervisor.

Does Watertown, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, but only with special permission from the animal control board.

Does Yankton, South Dakota, Allow Backyard Chickens?

Yes, they allow up to 6 backyard chickens as long as they are not visible to the public or surrounding properties. For more information on the requirements to keep backyard chickens, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in South Dakota By County

In South Dakota, most backyard chicken laws are enforced at the local level and not by county officials. However, in some cases, you may need to defer to county requirements. If you need to follow county rules, below are all 66 counties in South Dakota along with the appropriate government contact information.

Please note, some counties do not have a website or contact information available. Instead you’ll find the county seat’s information, where the county government operates out of. They should be able to direct you to the appropriate contact.

Start Building a Chicken Coop That Meets Your Area’s Requirements

Now that you have determined if backyard chickens are allowed in your area, the next step is meeting the outlined requirements. To obtain permit approval or avoid legal repercussions, you must ensure that your chickens are kept in a proper enclosure that meets local requirements. 

Many areas require chicken coops to provide adequate space based on the number of chickens allowed, including an attached run, be predator-proof, and support proper cleaning and care. To keep the process going smoothly, you need to find a builder or coop supplier that provides South Dakota-compliant coop. One of the easiest ways to ensure compliance is by choosing a custom chicken coop.

The Hen House Collection allows you to build a custom chicken coop with cleaning features, multiple size options, and predator-proof doors that help you comply with local regulations. For questions or to explore available customization options, please contact The Hen House Collection or request a quote.