Planning to keep backyard chickens in Montana? Montana doesn’t have one statewide rule. Cities and counties decide the details—such as how many hens you can have, if roosters are allowed, coop setbacks, permit rules, and cleanliness standards. This article breaks it down by county and key cities, written simply.
Yellowstone County – Billings
- Allows up to **6 hens** per single‑family lot.
- **Roosters are prohibited**.
- Chicken coop/enclosure must be at least **10 ft from property lines and public right‑of‑way.**
- Permit required—renewed annually.
- No on-site slaughter; enclosure must be predator-proof; waste stored securely.
Missoula County – Missoula City
- Up to **6 hens** on lots under 1 acre; up to **12 hens** on larger residential lots.
- Permits required; coop inspection and one-time fee ($30) may apply.
- **Roosters are banned** unless exceptions by written consent.
- Setbacks: coops must be 10 ft from property line and 20 ft from other dwellings.
Gallatin County – Bozeman & Surrounding
- In **Bozeman**, up to **6 hens** allowed; no roosters.
- $25 permit required, renewable every three years.
- Coop must be predator‑proof and setback at least 10 ft from structures.
Flathead County – Kalispell & Whitefish
- **Kalispell** permits keeping chickens with a city permit—up to **5 hens**, no roosters.
- Setback: at least 20 ft from neighbor homes and 5 ft from property lines.
- No slaughter, odors or noise allowed; coop inspection required.
- **Whitefish** allows up to **5 hens** without permit in residential zones; coop setbacks apply.
Cascade County – Great Falls
- Chickens and fowl are considered livestock; allowed **only in R‑1 zones**, not standard residential.
- In R‑1 zones you may keep hens, but **roosters are banned**.
- Fowl must be fully contained, coop waste stored sanitary, and coop should comply with zoning.
- If outside R‑1, keeping chickens is illegal and may result in citations and removal orders.
Lewis & Clark County – Helena
- Residents may keep up to **6 hens** per single-family lot.
- **Roosters prohibited** in residential zoning.
- Coop must be at least 20 ft from neighboring structure and 10 ft from property line.
- Permit and inspection required before getting birds.
Silver Bow County – Butte
- Allows up to **5 hens** in residential areas; **no roosters**.
- Permit may be optional, but coop must be enclosed and clean.
- Setback: at least 15 ft from neighboring dwellings.
Ravalli County – Hamilton, Stevensville
- In most towns (like Hamilton), you may keep up to **6–10 hens** with simple permit.
- **Roosters may be restricted** by local zoning or neighborhood covenants.
- Coop must be sanitary; setback rules vary by town.
Lake County – Polson area
- Residential lots often allow **4–6 hens** with basic setback rules.
- **Roosters often prohibited** in town zones.
- Rural areas typically allow more freedom unless HOA restrictions exist.
Other Areas & Rural Counties
- In unincorporated areas or agricultural zones of many counties, keeping hens (and sometimes roosters) is broadly permitted with minimal enforcement.
- County rules vary—some require permits if a coop is built; others only act on nuisance complaints.
Common Rules Across Montana Cities
- Hen limits usually between **5–6**, sometimes up to 10 or more based on lot size.
- **Roosters are almost always prohibited** in city residential zones.
- Permits or licensing often required—may include inspection, fees, and site plan.
- Coops must be in rear or side yards, meet setback distances, be enclosed, predator‑proof, and odor‑controlled.
- Free‑ranging chickens are not allowed; birds must stay on the property.
- No on‑site slaughtering in public view; no selling eggs or meat unless licensed.
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check if you live inside a city or county zone—rules differ by zoning type (residential vs R‑1 vs ag).
- Contact city or county planning or animal control before setting up a coop.
- Apply for any required permit or license and arrange for an inspection.
- Design your coop with proper ventilation, predator protection, and meet setback rules.
- Store feed properly, manage manure, and keep the coop clean to avoid complaints.
- Be aware of HOA or neighborhood covenants which may impose stricter rules.
Why These Rules Matter
These guidelines help protect neighborhood well‑being by limiting noise, odor, pests, and potential health hazards. Permit systems and setback rules ensure coops are well‑placed and safe. Restricting hens and banning roosters prevent nuisance behavior. Together, local laws allow responsible chicken keeping while maintaining community harmony.
Bottom Line
In Montana, chicken‑keeping rules are set locally. Most cities allow a small flock of hens (usually up to six) with permits and coop standards, while **roosters are almost always banned** in residential zones. In rural or agricultural zoning across counties, you may enjoy more flexibility. If you tell me your city, town, or county—or your address—I can help find the exact, current ordinance that applies to where you live.
