Chicken Laws by County in South Dakota
If you’re thinking about raising chickens in South Dakota, you’re tapping into a time-honored tradition of self-reliance and sustainable living. Whether you’re in a rural town or one of the state’s growing urban areas, fresh eggs and backyard poultry can be well within reach. But here’s the key: South Dakota does not have a statewide law governing backyard chickens—each city, town, or municipality within a county sets its own rules.
This guide outlines chicken laws by county in South Dakota, including the most populated regions, so you can start your flock legally and avoid costly mistakes.
Are Backyard Chickens Legal in South Dakota?
Direct answer: Yes, backyard chickens are legal in most of South Dakota—but rules like flock size, coop placement, rooster bans, and permits are set at the local (city/town) level, not by the county or state.
Most towns regulate:
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Maximum number of hens allowed
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Prohibition of roosters in residential areas
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Minimum coop distance from property lines or homes
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Permit or zoning approval
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Sanitation and nuisance control
Need help planning your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to get the right space and setup for your flock.
Chicken Laws by County in South Dakota
Let’s go county by county and highlight how local cities or towns regulate backyard chickens. While counties don’t always impose specific chicken laws, incorporated towns and cities within each county do.
Minnehaha County
Direct answer: Chickens are allowed in parts of Minnehaha County, but urban areas like Sioux Falls have strict rules.
Details:
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Sioux Falls allows up to 6 hens in residential zones with a $50 permit and no roosters.
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Coops must be placed at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighbors’ homes.
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The coop must be clean, ventilated, and located in the backyard.
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In rural parts of Minnehaha County, chickens are commonly allowed with minimal regulation.
Pennington County
Direct answer: Backyard chickens are permitted across the county, including in Rapid City, with zoning restrictions.
Details:
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Rapid City allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and requires the coop to be at least 25 feet from any dwelling.
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Permits may be required depending on zoning classification.
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Rural Pennington County is more relaxed—chickens and even roosters are commonly allowed.
Lincoln County
Direct answer: Chickens are permitted, including in suburban areas near Sioux Falls like Harrisburg and Tea.
Details:
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Harrisburg allows up to 6 hens, no roosters, and coops must be setback 20 feet from property lines.
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Tea and Lennox have similar regulations, often requiring enclosed coops and sanitation compliance.
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Unincorporated areas usually allow chickens freely without permits.
Brown County
Direct answer: Chickens are legal in Aberdeen and surrounding towns with local restrictions.
Details:
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Aberdeen allows backyard chickens in residential zones with a limit of 6 hens and a no-rooster rule.
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Permits and coop setback of at least 25 feet are generally required.
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Outside the city, chickens are widely kept without restrictions.
Brookings County
Direct answer: Chickens are allowed, with cities like Brookings setting their own rules.
Details:
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Brookings (City) permits up to 4 hens, no roosters, with a permit and coop location approval.
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Coops must be 10–15 feet from property lines, fully enclosed, and well-maintained.
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Rural parts of the county are typically unregulated for chicken ownership.
Yankton County
Direct answer: Chickens are widely permitted, including in the city of Yankton, with reasonable limits.
Details:
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Yankton allows backyard hens with a limit of 6, no roosters, and 25-foot setbacks from neighbors.
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Chickens must be confined, and owners are responsible for maintaining a clean coop.
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Permits may be required depending on lot size or zoning.
Codington County
Direct answer: Chickens are legal in rural areas and in Watertown under specific guidelines.
Details:
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Watertown permits up to 6 hens, with coops placed at least 20 feet from neighboring homes.
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Roosters are not allowed.
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Chickens must remain enclosed at all times.
Davison County
Direct answer: Chickens are allowed throughout the county, including in Mitchell with urban limits.
Details:
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Mitchell allows up to 5 hens, no roosters, and requires a one-time $25 permit.
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Coops must be setback 20 feet from other homes and cleaned regularly.
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Rural zones offer more flexibility and often don’t require permits.
Lawrence County
Direct answer: Backyard chickens are commonly kept across the county, including in Spearfish and Lead.
Details:
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Spearfish permits up to 6 hens, prohibits roosters, and enforces coop setback and cleanliness standards.
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Lead allows chickens under similar rules.
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Rural properties generally face no chicken-related restrictions.
Meade County
Direct answer: Chickens are legal across the county, with more regulation in city limits.
Details:
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Sturgis allows hens with a limit of 6, no roosters, and coop placement rules.
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Outside city limits, chickens are common and typically unregulated.
Common Chicken-Keeping Laws Across South Dakota
Most cities and towns across South Dakota have a similar approach to backyard poultry:
| Regulation | Typical Rule |
|---|---|
| Hens allowed | 4–6 in residential zones |
| Roosters | Usually banned in cities/suburbs |
| Permits | Often required ($25–$50 one-time or annual) |
| Coop setback | 10–25 feet from homes or property lines |
| Sanitation requirements | Mandatory—coops must be clean and enclosed |
| Rural/agricultural zones | Typically allow unlimited chickens |
Tips for Staying Legal with Backyard Chickens in South Dakota
To raise chickens confidently and within the law:
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Start by checking with your city or town hall—don’t assume rules are the same across a county.
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Avoid roosters unless you’re in a rural/agricultural zone.
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Respect setback rules and place coops away from neighboring homes.
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Keep your coop clean to avoid odor and pest complaints.
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Use the chicken coop calculator to ensure your coop meets your flock’s space needs and zoning requirements.
Conclusion: Chickens Are Welcome in South Dakota—If You Know the Rules
From small towns like Yankton to larger cities like Sioux Falls, most of South Dakota is chicken-friendly—especially in rural and low-density zones. Urban areas may require permits, enforce hen limits, or ban roosters, but the trend across the state is clearly in favor of backyard poultry.
Whether you want a few hens for eggs or a full backyard flock, just make sure you check your local laws first.
Ready to start your flock the right way? Use the chicken coop calculator to build a coop that fits your birds, your property, and your town’s regulations.
Smart planning leads to healthy hens, happy neighbors, and delicious eggs across the Mount Rushmore State.