If you’re thinking about raising backyard chickens in South Dakota, it’s important to know that there is no statewide rule—municipalities govern chicken keeping. Rules vary by city or town, so it’s best to check with your local office before you begin. This article explains general patterns and gives examples from several cities in the state. It’s written in simple English and easy to follow.
Common Statewide Themes
- No uniform state-level license for chickens—local cities decide policies.
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential areas.
- Most places limit hens to between 3 and 8, depending on property type.
- Permit or registration is often required.
- Setbacks: coops must be set back from property lines, buildings, or drainage areas.
- Coops must be sanitary, predator-proof, ventilated, and kept clean.
- Chickens must be enclosed—no free roaming.
- Egg sales and breeding are usually prohibited—personal use only.
- Violations or complaints can lead to revocation or fines.
Examples from Cities & Towns
Madison (Lake County)
Madison allows up to six hens per lot with a permit. Roosters and breeding are prohibited. You need to register and submit a site plan outlining coop and exercise yard placement. Coops must be in rear or side yards, set back according to zoning rules. At most six hens are allowed; additional brooding chicks are restricted. Coops must be rodent‑proof, at least 20 ft from neighboring dwelling doors or windows, and kept at a proper distance from storm drainage. Manure must be stored or composted carefully and cleaned to prevent odor. Waste cannot overflow into storm systems. Dead birds must be removed within 48 hours. Feed must be kept in rodent-proof containers. Visibility of chickens must be blocked above five-foot height from public view. Noncompliance can lead to permit revocation or fines.
Aberdeen (Brown County)
In Aberdeen, residential properties zoned for single-family dwellings may have up to eight hens if the lot is 22,500 ft² or less, and up to twelve hens on larger lots. Roosters and breeding are banned. A separate coop and fenced exercise yard are required, located in rear or side yards and meeting local setback rules. Coops must prevent rodent access, be maintained in good repair, and kept at least 20 ft from neighbor dwelling doors or windows. Manure and coop areas must be kept clean and odor under control. Manure storage must be at least 20 ft from streams or storm drains. Chickens cannot be kept inside dwellings or garages except during brooding. Dead birds must be disposed of within 48 hours. Grain must be stored securely; visibility must be obstructed at five feet height from public. Officers may revoke permits or impound birds in violation.
Sioux Falls (Minnehaha County)
Sioux Falls allows up to six chickens and/or rabbits without a permit. A permit is required for more than six chickens or any ducks, turkeys, or geese. Roosters are not allowed. You also need a permit to place a chicken coop. Coops and runs must be located at least 25 ft from neighboring dwellings. If coop is larger than 200 sq ft, it must follow building codes. Coops must be secure, ventilated, clean, predator-resistant. Chickens must remain enclosed unless supervised. Feed must be stored rodent-proof and manure properly managed. Compliance is enforced by animal control and zoning.
Rapid City (Pennington County)
Rapid City residents in single-family properties may keep up to six chickens. Roosters are banned. Coops must provide at least two sq ft per bird, be sealed against predators, and have a solid roof. Coops and runs may not be in front yards or drainage easements. Coops must be screened from view and set back at least 25 ft from any neighboring dwelling. The area must be kept clean, and manure cleaned regularly to avoid odor. Feed storage must prevent pests. Chickens may not roam freely and must stay in enclosure unless supervised. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Sturgis (Meade County)
Sturgis residents may keep up to six hens if they register with the city. Roosters are not allowed. Your chickens must remain in an enclosure at all times, and wings should be clipped to prevent flight. Chickens must be secured in their coop during non-daylight hours. Keeping chickens inside a dwelling is not allowed. Loose chickens may be impounded, with fees and potential citations. Chickens must not be allowed to run at large.
Vermillion (Clay County)
Vermillion allows up to three hens on a detached, owner‑occupied single-family lot. More hens may not be permitted. Roosters are banned. A permit is required, and chickens must be kept confined in the rear or side yard. Coops and their run must meet local setback requirements. Chickens must stay enclosed and cared for in a clean and sanitary manner.
Other Towns in South Dakota
Many other small towns either ban chickens entirely or allow them under minimal rules. For example:
- Lead – wild or exotic animals—not chickens—are referenced under animal laws, but no clear chicken rules published.
- Webster – allows up to eight hens on single-family lots with permits; roosters prohibited; cooper and yard must meet setbacks and sanitation standards.
- Harrisburg – up to six hens allowed with permit; coops must be in side or rear yards, set back at least three feet from property lines; roosters and breeding banned; manure and coop area limited to 30% of backyard; waste and feed managed cleanly; chickens must not constitute a nuisance.
Common Themes in South Dakota Chicken Laws
- Six hens is typical maximum in most cities; some larger properties get up to 12.
- Roosters are almost never allowed in residential zones.
- Permit or registration is usually required.
- Coops must be in rear or side yards and satisfy local setback rules.
- Coops must be rodent-proof, clean, ventilated, and secure.
- Feed must be stored securely; manure must be handled to avoid odor and runoff.
- Dead birds must be removed quickly (usually within 48 hours).
- Chickens must be confined; no free roaming.
- Violations or neighbor complaints can lead to fines, permit loss, or impoundment.
What You Should Do Before Keeping Chickens in South Dakota
- Find out whether you live inside city or town limits or in unincorporated county land.
- Contact your city or town hall to ask about chicken ordinances.
- Confirm how many hens you may keep and whether roosters are banned.
- Find out if a permit or registration, and fee or site plan, are required.
- Check setback requirements for coops and runs—distance from buildings, property lines, drains.
- Plan coop and run size to meet required space per hen (typically 2 sq ft indoors, and adequate run space).
- Ensure your coop is predator-proof, ventilated, and maintained cleanly.
- Store feed in rodent‑proof containers and manage manure responsibly.
- Know the rules for dead chickens or carcass disposal.
- Learn how complaints or violations are enforced in your community.
- Check if any homeowner’s association or restrictive covenant rules apply.
Why Chicken Laws Are Enforced
These rules aim to protect public health and maintain neighborhood peace. Poorly maintained coops can attract rodents or create odor. Roosters make noise. Setback rules protect neighbors. Permitting and inspection help ensure sanitation and prevent nuisance. By following local rules, you won’t risk fines or losing your flock—and you’ll enjoy fresh eggs the proper way.
Conclusion
Keeping hens in South Dakota is quite doable—but where you live makes a big difference. Cities like Madison, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Sturgis, and Vermillion each have specific rules, and townships may vary. Before you start, check with your local city or town office. Build a clean, safe coop in the correct location, follow permit rules, and keep your chickens confined and maintained. Then you can enjoy caring for a legal, healthy backyard flock—with fresh eggs to boot.
Best of luck with your South Dakota chickens!