Many North Dakota cities allow raising chickens in backyards while some do not. In cities where backyard chickens are legal, there are ordinances regulating the number and type of chickens you can own. Most North Dakota cities require that you obtain a permit or license to keep chickens. Be sure to check your local animal ordinances before acquiring any chickens. If chickens are allowed where you live, North Dakota State University recommends the following breeds for egg production: Ameraucana, Leghorn, White-faced Black Spanish, and Stars. The following North Dakota municipalities allow homeowners to engage in raising backyard poultry.
1. Fargo, ND
You can have backyard chickens in Fargo, ND, but not without a permit. According to the city code, the keeping of chickens is prohibited without a permit, which can be obtained through the City Auditor's office. The permit allows no more than 4 chickens, excluding roosters, per premises. All hens must be kept in a chicken coop and run, which are subject to a 3-foot setback from any adjacent premises. All chicken coops must provide at least 4 square feet of floor space per hen while attached fenced-in chicken runs must provide at least 10 square feet of floor space per hen.
2. Bismarck, ND
If you reside in the City of Bismarck, ND, you're required to obtain a permit from the Zoning Administrator to keep backyard chickens. In addition, the primary use of your property must be single-family residential or rural residential. No more than 4 hens may be kept on single-family residential properties within the R5, R10, and RM zoning districts. A maximum of 10 hens may be kept on single-family residential properties in the extra-territorial area, outside of the corporate limits, and zoned RR-Residential and RR5-Residential. You may keep and raise hens for private uses only, according to the Bismarck Chicken Ordinance.
3. Grand Forks, ND
You can have backyard chickens in Grand Forks, ND, but not without a permit approved by the Grand Forks Public Health Department. Aside from chickens, the permit also allows you to keep ducks, geese, turkeys, doves, and pigeons. Here is the link to the chicken permit application form. In addition to this requirement, you also need to obtain written consent from all property owners located within 65 feet of your residence.
As a permit holder, the maximum number of chickens you can own is 6, according to the City Code. The total number of domestic birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, doves, and pigeons, you can keep is 12, with no more than 6 being chickens.
4. West Fargo, ND
The keeping of backyard chickens in West Fargo is regulated by the City's Code Enforcement. Accordingly, an annual permit is required before you can install a chicken coop or run on your residential property. The issuance of the permit is subject to inspections by Public Health Officials. With an approved permit, you can keep up to 6 female chickens in your backyard coop and run. Both the coop and run must be setback at least 10 feet from all property lines and 3 feet from any adjacent structures.
5. Williston, ND
You need a Chicken Keeper License to keep backyard chickens in Williston, North Dakota. The requirements for the license include a site plan and consent letter from adjacent neighbors. If you're a tenant, you will need to obtain a letter of approval from your landlord. Your chicken coop and attached fenced-in chicken run must be located in the rear yard and at least 10 feet from any adjacent premises. The fenced-in chicken run must provide at least 10 feet of ground space per chicken while the coop must provide at least 4 feet of ground space per chicken. For more info, visit the city's Chicken Keeper Step-by-Step guide.
6. Mandan, ND
Mandan City Commission passed Ordinance 1306 on March 5, 2019, requiring residents to obtain a permit to keep a limited number of chickens in their backyards. Restrictions include, but are not limited to no more than 4 chickens, no roosters, and you must keep your chicken enclosure 10 feet from the property line and 20 feet from adjacent dwellings. For additional information, please review the application packet.
7. Jamestown, ND
Like most North Dakota cities, the city of Jamestown requires that you obtain a permit to keep chickens in your backyard for personal use. The permit is authorized by the city council and issued by the city auditor's office. As per the city code, you must keep your chicken coop or run 100 feet from any residence. All coops and runs are required to be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
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