Chicken Laws by County in Minnesota

If you’re considering raising backyard chickens in Minnesota, here’s what you need to know right off the bat: rules vary by city, not just by county. What’s allowed in Minneapolis might be totally different in a neighboring township. So before you start buying hens and building a coop, it’s crucial to understand your local chicken laws.

This article breaks down chicken laws county by county, helping you avoid costly mistakes and get your coop up and running legally.

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Why You Need to Know Local Chicken Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota doesn’t have one-size-fits-all state laws for backyard chickens. Instead, each city, township, or municipality within a county can create its own ordinances regarding:

• Whether you can keep chickens at all

• The number of hens allowed

• Whether roosters are banned

• Coop placement and size requirements

• Permits, fees, and inspections

So, whether you’re in the Twin Cities or out in rural farmland, always check your local zoning code. Use this guide to start, but confirm details with your local government before you build your coop or buy your flock.

Need help figuring out how big your coop should be? Try this chicken coop calculator to instantly determine the right coop size based on your flock.

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Chicken Laws by County in Minnesota

Let’s break down backyard chicken laws in Minnesota’s major counties. Town rules may differ even within the same county, so we’ll spotlight the most populated or commonly asked-about municipalities in each.

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Hennepin County

Direct answer: Most cities in Hennepin County allow chickens, but rules differ in flock size, coop placement, and permit needs.

Details:

• Minneapolis allows up to 30 chickens depending on lot size—but you’ll need neighbor signatures and a permit.

• Bloomington permits chickens with up to 6 hens and no roosters.

• Eden Prairie allows backyard hens with a permit and setback requirements.

• Brooklyn Park limits chickens based on lot size and zoning.

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Ramsey County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in most areas with permits and hen limits, but roosters are typically banned.

Details:

• St. Paul allows chickens with a permit—up to 6 hens, no roosters, and coops must be 30 feet from neighboring homes.

• Maplewood and Roseville permit chickens in residential areas with restrictions on coop design and placement.

• Most cities require neighbor approval or signatures to keep hens.

Planning a coop in the suburbs? Check your setback distances and use the chicken coop calculator to stay within legal limits.

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Dakota County

Direct answer: Most cities in Dakota County permit chickens, with caps on hen numbers and no roosters allowed.

Details:

• Eagan allows up to 4 hens with an annual permit.

• Apple Valley requires a residential lot of at least 0.25 acres and limits to 4 hens.

• Burnsville enforces a 5-hen limit and requires setback and sanitation standards.

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Anoka County

Direct answer: Chicken laws in Anoka County are mixed—urban areas are stricter while rural towns are more flexible.

Details:

• Coon Rapids permits chickens with an administrative permit—no roosters.

• Blaine allows 3 hens on most residential lots, and more in agricultural zones.

• Andover is more permissive with larger flocks allowed in certain districts.

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Washington County

Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in many Washington County towns, usually with limits on flock size and no roosters.

Details:

• Woodbury allows up to 6 hens with a permit; coops must be 50 feet from neighbors.

• Stillwater and Cottage Grove allow chickens with permits and standard zoning restrictions.

• Enforcement is strict in suburban neighborhoods, especially regarding noise and odor.

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Olmsted County

Direct answer: Backyard chickens are legal in Rochester and surrounding areas with certain zoning and permit requirements.

Details:

• Rochester allows up to 5 hens, requires a $50 permit, and bans roosters.

• Stewartville and nearby towns allow chickens in residential zones with reasonable setbacks and neighbor consent in some cases.

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St. Louis County

Direct answer: Urban areas like Duluth regulate chickens, while rural zones tend to be more relaxed.

Details:

• Duluth allows chickens with a permit—maximum of 6 hens, roosters banned.

• Coops must be secure and 30 feet from neighboring dwellings.

• Hibbing and other smaller cities may allow chickens, but always check local ordinances.

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Stearns County

Direct answer: Chickens are typically allowed in agricultural and low-density residential zones.

Details:

• St. Cloud permits backyard chickens with restrictions—usually a 4–6 hen limit.

• Rural parts of Stearns County rarely restrict chickens unless part of a homeowners association.

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Scott County

Direct answer: Most towns and rural areas in Scott County support backyard chickens with reasonable rules.

Details:

• Shakopee permits up to 6 hens with a $40 annual license; no roosters.

• Prior Lake and Savage allow chickens in residential zones with setback rules and coop inspections.

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Carver County

Direct answer: Generally supportive of backyard chickens, especially in lower-density areas.

Details:

• Chaska allows up to 4 hens with setbacks of at least 20 feet.

• Victoria and Waconia require lot minimums or special permits to own chickens.

Need help designing your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to make sure your setup fits your town’s size and spacing rules.

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Common Chicken Laws Across Minnesota Cities

Despite local differences, here are the common patterns you’ll see in most Minnesota municipalities:

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How to Stay Compliant with Minnesota Chicken Laws

To avoid fines or being forced to give up your birds, follow these tips:

• Read your city’s chicken ordinance—they’re often posted online or available from the zoning department.

• Apply for a permit before getting your chickens.

• Build your coop to code—respect setbacks and sanitation rules.

• Skip the rooster unless you live in an agricultural zone.

• Use the right-sized coop for your hens. Use the chicken coop calculator to get it right the first time.

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Conclusion: Know the Rules, Then Enjoy the Flock

Keeping chickens in Minnesota can be a fantastic way to enjoy fresh eggs, teach kids about responsibility, and connect with nature—but only if you stay within the law.

From Minneapolis to Mankato and Duluth to Detroit Lakes, the rules aren’t the same. So check your local ordinances and build your coop the smart way.

Want to make sure your setup is legal and chicken-friendly? Calculate how much coop space your chicken needs and get started on the right foot.

Raise your birds with confidence—and compliance.