Interested in keeping backyard chickens in Minnesota? Rules vary city by city. Some towns allow a handful of hens with a permit, others ban roosters outright, or require neighbor consent. Here’s a city-by-city guide in clear, simple English.
Minneapolis (Hennepin County)
- Allowed up to 6 hens with a **Tier 1 permit**; larger flocks (7–15) require **Tier 2**.
- **Roosters require special permission** and neighbor consent—a separate permit.
- For more than 6 hens or any roosters, you must get written consent from **80% of occupants within 100 ft**.
- Permit includes an education class, site plan, neighbor notification, and $30 initial fee.
- Coop must be in rear yard, enclosed, predator‑proof, sanitary—and noise/odor complaints can revoke your permit.
St. Paul (Ramsey County)
- Permit required for any chicken keeping.
- **Tier 1**: 1–6 hens ($26 application, $16 renewal); **Tier 2**: 7–15 hens ($76 application, $28 renewal).
- For Tier 2, need **75% neighbor consent within 150 ft** (same side of street).
- **Roosters are prohibited** in all tiers.
- Coop/run must meet setback, site plan, and zoning rules; inspections annually.
Duluth (St. Louis County)
- License needed to keep up to 7 hens; chickens must be hens only.
- No roosters allowed in most zones.
- Coop setbacks typically ~25 ft from neighboring dwellings.
- Residents outside city limits follow township or county rules.
Rochester (Olmsted County)
- Permit needed to keep up to **3 hens** (no roosters).
- Coop/run must be **≥25 ft from neighboring dwellings**.
- Coop max ≈10 sq ft per hen, run max ≈20 sq ft per hen.
Bloomington (Hennepin County)
- Up to **4 hens** allowed on single-family property; **no roosters**.
- Coop must be ≥30 ft from property line and ≥50 ft from neighbor dwellings.
- No slaughtering or breeding; permit may be required depending on zoning.
Plymouth (Hennepin County)
- Single-family zones allow up to **6 hens**; **roosters prohibited**.
- License required, typically renewed every two years.
- Coop with run in rear yard, ≥20 ft from lot line; sanitary and enclosed required.
Maplewood (Ramsey County)
- Permits available for up to **10 hens**.
- Requires 60% neighbor consent and zoning compliance.
- Large coop and run, site specifications, and permit fee apply.
St. Cloud (Stearns County)
- Ordinance is under review; public comment invited.
- Expected limits similar to other cities (5–6 hens, no roosters).
Smaller Cities & Towns
- La Crescent: up to **4 hens** with permit in R‑1 zones.
- Mahnomen: permitting allows up to **4 hens** per lot.
- Other small towns: many follow township or county rules—often minimal regulation.
- Outlying rural areas: typically allow hens and roosters based on county zoning.
Common Rules Across Minnesota Cities
- Most urban areas cap hens between **3–6**, require a permit, and ban roosters.
- Neighbor consent is required for larger flocks or roosters—typically 60–80% within defined radius.
- Coop setbacks range between **20–100 ft**, depending on local standards.
- Permits often include site plan, education, fees, and annual inspections.
- Roosters are restricted almost everywhere inside city limits.
- Outside city limits, township and county rules apply—often more flexible if agricultural zoning.
Why These Rules Exist
These policies help neighborhoods stay peaceful. Limits prevent odor or noise nuisances. Neighbor consent ensures local buy-in. Permits and inspections promote clean, safe coops. Residential zoning priorities and urban density patterns explain where chickens are limited or permitted.
Bottom Line
Minnesota gives each city the power to regulate chicken keeping. Cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, and Maplewood allow backyard hens—but they differ on hen limits, permits, coop requirements, setbacks, and neighbor approval. Roosters are almost always barred in urban areas. In rural townships or counties, rules are often more flexible. If you share your specific city or township, I can help look up the exact local ordinance that applies to your property.
