If you’re thinking about raising backyard chickens in North Dakota, it’s smart to check local rules first. There’s no single state rule for hens—you need to follow city or county law. Different places set limits on how many hens you can keep, whether roosters are allowed, where the coop can go, and whether you need a permit.
How Chicken Laws Work in North Dakota
North Dakota does not restrict backyard hens at the state level. That means local governments—cities and towns—set their own rules. Some towns allow a few hens easily; others ban them completely in town limits. Rural areas usually have fewer rules.
Common rules include:
- Limits on number of hens (often 4–6).
- No roosters in residential zones.
- Permit or registration required in many cities.
- Setbacks: coops must be a safe distance from property lines or dwellings.
- Cleanliness and predator-proofing of coops.
- No egg sales without a separate license.
Chicken Laws in Major Counties and Cities
Cass County (Fargo and West Fargo)
Fargo residents can keep up to four hens with a $10–$30 annual permit. Roosters are not allowed. Coops must be predator‑proof, ventilated, at least 4 sq ft per chicken inside, and a run at least 10 sq ft per bird. Coops and runs must be in the rear yard, at least 3 feet from adjacent structures and 10 feet from property lines. No slaughtering within city limits. Chickens may not roam free. Permit must be renewed every year.
West Fargo residents may keep up to six hens with a yearly permit. Coops must meet similar size, height, setback, and cleanliness rules, including a fence no taller than six feet around the coop and run.
Burleigh County (Bismarck)
Bismarck allows up to four hens in typical residential zones, with a permit required. Roosters are banned due to noise. Coops must be clean, predator‑resistant, and maintained. Coop placement typically must meet a setback from dwellings, often around 25 feet.
Grand Forks County (Grand Forks)
In Grand Forks, up to six hens are allowed with a city permit. Roosters are not allowed. You must register and submit a coop site plan, notify neighbors within a certain radius (often 65 feet). Coops must be in rear yard and set back at least 25 feet from neighboring homes. Total domestic fowl (including ducks or pigeons) may be limited—usually no more than twelve across all types—but only six chickens in total.
Ward County (Minot)
Minot generally allows chicken keeping in agriculturally zoned areas. Residential zones may need a variance or special permit. Up to six hens allowed; no roosters. Coops must meet sanitary standards and setbacks, often between 15–25 feet from dwellings. Outside city limits in rural areas, chicken keeping is common and usually unregulated.
Williams County (Williston)
Williston residents may keep up to six hens with a Chicken Keeper License. Neighbors must be notified, and a site plan submitted. Roosters are banned in city limits. Coops must be at least 10–20 feet from buildings or property lines and must meet interior and run space requirements, plus sanitation rules.
Morton County (Mandan)
Mandan allows up to four hens (some areas allow six) with a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops and runs must be located in side or rear yards, at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from adjacent houses. Coops must provide at least 4 sq ft per chicken; runs at least 10 sq ft per bird. They must be predator‑proof and screened from public view. Permits must be renewed each year.
Stark County (Dickinson)
In Dickinson, up to four hens may be kept with a permit. Roosters are banned. Coops must be secure, located in rear yards, and at least 10 feet from property lines. Outside of city limits, chickens are widely allowed for personal use under general nuisance rules.
Richland County (Wahpeton)
Wahpeton allows up to six hens with a permit. Roosters banned. Coops must meet setback rules (15–25 feet) and sanitation guidelines. In rural Richland County, chicken keeping is typically permitted with minimal oversight.
Other Rural Areas
Many small towns across North Dakota either allow chickens freely or have relaxed rules. Some towns, like Devils Lake, prohibit chickens completely within city limits—no hens or roosters even with a permit. Park River, by contrast, allows up to eight hens without a license if 75% of neighbors within 200 feet approve. These local decisions vary widely, so checking with your local city hall or zoning office is always necessary.
Common Patterns in ND Chicken Laws
- Urban zones almost always ban roosters.
- Most cities limit hens to 4–6.
- Permits or licenses are standard in urban areas ($10–$30 per year).
- Coops must be setback from property lines and residences.
- Hens must stay in coops or enclosed runs—no free‑roaming.
- Feed must be stored safely; manure managed cleanly.
- HOA rules may override city allowances.
- Egg sales require separate health department permits.
Checklist Before You Get Chickens in North Dakota
- Look up rules for your city, town, or township—call or search online.
- Ask if a permit or license is required and what fees apply.
- Find out the allowed number of hens and if your zone restricts roosters.
- Check coop and run setback requirements for property lines and buildings.
- Plan coop size and run design to fit space rules per bird.
- Make sure coops are well‑ventilated, clean, rodent‑proof, and predator‑safe.
- Store feed securely and remove manure regularly.
- Check whether complaints can lead to permit revocation.
- Verify if egg sales or hatching require separate approval.
- If you’re in a subdivision or HOA, see if there are extra rules or bans.
Why These Rules Matter
These rules exist to help maintain public health, reduce nuisance, and protect your neighbors. Coops in disrepair can attract rodents, spread odor, or disturb nearby houses. Roosters crow early and loudly. Setback rules keep chickens away from shared spaces and reduce tension. Permits give local officials a way to review placement and design—keeping everyone safer. And while North Dakota doesn’t limit backyard hens by state law, cities do. Doing it the right way makes chicken keeping rewarding rather than problematic.
Final Thoughts
Raising hens in North Dakota is absolutely doable—but it does depend on where you live. Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Mandan, and Dickinson all allow hens with rules and permits. Rural areas are often more flexible. Before ordering chicks, check with your local government. Build your coop with care, keep things clean, and be a good neighbor—and you can enjoy fresh eggs and happy hens the legal way.
Best of luck starting your backyard flock in North Dakota!