North Dakota Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits and Setbacks by City and County

North Dakota Ordinances by City & County

Summary of common rules — always confirm with city or county code enforcement, as details vary by zoning district and can change.

• Bismarck (Burleigh County): Hens prohibited in standard residential zones (R1/R5) | Allowed only in RR, RR5, and Ag zones with 150-foot dwelling setbacks | Roosters prohibited | Permitted lots require a $50 initial fee and 20-foot property line setbacks.
• Dickinson (Stark County): Hens allowed in many residential zones | Roosters often restricted | Coop must meet setback and sanitation rules | Nuisance complaints can trigger enforcement.
• Fargo (Cass County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | $10 annual permit | 3-foot setback from property lines | On-site slaughtering is strictly prohibited within city limits.
• Grand Forks (Grand Forks County): Hens allowed in some residential districts | Roosters generally not allowed | Local permit or approval may be required | Coop setbacks from property lines and neighboring homes apply.
• Jamestown (Stutsman County): Hens allowed in many residential areas | Roosters often limited or prohibited | Coop placement subject to local setbacks and nuisance standards.
• Mandan (Morton County): Up to 4 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | $100 initial permit fee required ($50 annual renewal) | Scaled site diagram must be submitted to the City Commission for approval.
• Minot (Ward County): Hens strictly prohibited (City Code Sec. 7-6) | "No person shall keep fowl of any kind or pigeons within the city" | Ordinance amendments have failed multiple votes as of 2026.
• Wahpeton (Richland County): Hens allowed with basic nuisance and zoning rules | Roosters may be allowed on larger lots or agricultural parcels | Coop should be placed away from neighboring dwellings.
• West Fargo (Cass County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | $25 annual permit | 10-foot property line setback | Backyard must be enclosed by a solid opaque fence at least 5 feet tall.
• Williston (Williams County): Hens commonly allowed, especially on larger lots | Roosters may be allowed in less dense or agricultural areas | Zoning and nuisance rules govern coop placement and flock size.
• Beulah (Mercer County): Strictly prohibited within city limits per Ordinance 429 | Allowed only in areas zoned Agricultural (A) | FFA projects may be allowed with City Council approval.
• Bottineau (Bottineau County): Permissive rural | Higher allowances | No numeric cap in many zones | Check township rules.
• Devils Lake (Ramsey County): Hens allowed with conditions | Roosters often restricted | Coop setbacks apply | Nuisance rules enforced.
• Fort Yates (Sioux County): Rural permissive | Often no limits | Roosters allowed on acreage | Minimal restrictions.
• Grafton (Walsh County): Permissive in rural areas; city limits require a nuisance-free environment | Roosters restricted in residential blocks | 10-foot side/rear property line setbacks for all enclosures.
• Hazen (Mercer County): Rural permissive | Often no hen limits | Roosters permitted on larger lots.
• Hettinger (Adams County): Rural permissive | Higher allowances | Minimal local restrictions.
• Langdon (Cavalier County): Rural-friendly | Often no limits | Roosters allowed on acreage.
• Madeira (Walsh County): Rural permissive | Higher limits or none | Focus on nuisance prevention.
• Park River (Walsh County): Rural-friendly | Often no strict limits | Roosters may be allowed | Check township zoning.
• Rugby (Pierce County): Rural permissive | Higher allowances | Minimal restrictions.
• Stanley (Mountrail County): Rural permissive | Often no limits | Roosters allowed on acreage.
• Tioga (Williams County): Rural-friendly | Higher limits or none | Minimal local restrictions.
• Valley City (Barnes County): Prohibited per Ordinance 1148 | Poultry is classified as "livestock" and is not permitted within city limits or the 1-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction.
• Watford City (McKenzie County): Allowed under Ordinance 692 | Hens permitted as an accessory use | Roosters limited to Agricultural districts | All coops must meet new 2026 structural and drainage standards.
• Horace (Cass County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | $10 annual permit required | Scaled diagram of coop/run must be submitted for approval | Rear yard only.
• Lincoln (Burleigh County): Up to 4 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | Annual permit required | 3-foot setback from property lines | Coop must be elevated 24 inches or use rodent-resistant construction.
• Casselton (Cass County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | Application requires notice to neighbors within 25 feet | 3-foot setback from lot lines | Solid opaque fence/screening required.
• Oakes (Dickey County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | Annual permit required | 10-foot property line setback | Coops must be at least 16 inches off the ground.
• Ellendale (Dickey County): Up to 4 small domestic animals (including cooped chickens) on lots under 2 acres | Setback of 15 feet from adjacent property | Larger limits available on 2+ acres.
• Carrington (Foster County): Domestic fowl allowed only by City Council authorization | Specific permit required via City Auditor | Subject to periodic health officer inspections.
• Mayville (Traill County): Up to 6 hens allowed | Roosters prohibited | $25 annual permit | Mandatory state premises registration with NDDA required every 3 years.
• Hillsboro (Traill County): Hens allowed with local permit | Roosters restricted in residential zones | Focus on coop sanitation and predator-proof enclosures.
• Lisbon (Ransom County): Permissive on larger lots | Often restricted to 4 birds per acre on parcels under 3 acres | 50-foot setback for buildings housing poultry.
• Mandan (Morton County): Up to 4 hens allowed | $100 initial permit fee ($50 renewal) | Scaled diagram required | Roosters prohibited in city limits.
• New Town (Mountrail County): Rural-friendly; hens commonly allowed | Roosters permitted on larger parcels | Minimal local restrictions beyond nuisance rules.
• Washburn (McLean County): Hens allowed with conditions | Roosters restricted | 10-foot property line setbacks recommended | Focus on odor and noise control.
• Cavalier (Pembina County): Rural-friendly | No strict numeric cap for hens | Roosters allowed on acreage | Focus on sanitation and manure management.
• New Rockford (Eddy County): Permissive rural environment | Hens allowed | Roosters generally permitted on larger residential lots | Minimal permit requirements.
• Garrison (McLean County): Hens allowed | Roosters limited in town center | Focus on biosecurity and winter-hardy coop standards.
• Bowman (Bowman County): Very rural-friendly | Often no strict limits | Roosters permitted | Focus on neighbor distance and sanitation.
• Larimore (Grand Forks County): Follows Grand Forks County general permissive rules | Hens allowed | Roosters restricted in town center | Coop setbacks apply.
• Surrey (Ward County): Hens allowed as an accessory use | Roosters restricted in residential blocks | 10-foot setback from neighbors | Manure must be managed to prevent odors.
• Burlington (Ward County): Rural-friendly; higher limits common | Roosters usually allowed on larger lots | No specific permit for small flocks.
• Mapleton (Cass County): Hens allowed with local permit | Roosters prohibited | Similar to West Fargo/Horace standards for setbacks and fencing.
• Harvey (Wells County): Rural-friendly | Higher hen limits or none | Roosters permitted on acreage | Minimal local restrictions.
• Rolla (Rolette County): Rural permissive | No strict flock caps | Roosters allowed | Focus on nuisance and sanitation laws.
• New Salem (Morton County): Rural-friendly | Hens allowed | Roosters typically permitted outside of business districts | Focus on manure management.
• Thompson (Grand Forks County): Hens allowed with conditions | Roosters prohibited in dense residential areas | 5-foot property line setback for coops.
• Rugby (Pierce County): Up to 6 hens common in residential zones | Roosters restricted to larger agricultural parcels | Predator-proof coops mandatory due to local wildlife.

Rural and Smaller Towns

Rural North Dakota and smaller towns are typically very flock friendly. Many townships and unincorporated areas have no specific limits on flock size and allow roosters, especially on acreage. Rules often focus on nuisance, manure management, and basic animal care rather than strict numbers. Examples include:

• Beulah (Mercer County): Rural permissive; often no strict limits or permits; roosters commonly allowed on larger lots; focus on sanitation and neighbor distance.
• Bottineau (Bottineau County): Rural-friendly; higher allowances common; no numeric cap in many unincorporated zones; roosters often permitted.
• Hazen (Mercer County): Rural permissive; often no limits; roosters allowed on acreage; minimal local restrictions beyond nuisance rules.
• Hettinger (Adams County): Very rural; higher hen limits or none; roosters typically permitted; check township for any zoning requirements.
• Langdon (Cavalier County): Rural permissive; often no strict flock caps; roosters allowed on larger lots; focus on biosecurity and sanitation.
• Madeira (Walsh County): Rural-friendly; higher allowances or none; minimal restrictions; roosters often OK on acreage.
• Park River (Walsh County): Rural permissive; often no limits; roosters permitted on larger lots; check township rules.
• Rugby (Pierce County): Rural-friendly; higher hen limits common; roosters typically allowed outside dense areas; minimal local restrictions.
• Stanley (Mountrail County): Rural permissive; often no hen limits; roosters allowed on acreage; focus on nuisance prevention.
• Tioga (Williams County): Rural-friendly; higher allowances or none; minimal local restrictions; roosters permitted on larger lots.
• Oakes/Ellendale Rural: Extremely permissive; often no limits for flocks on 1+ acre; roosters allowed; focus on NDDA biosecurity recommendations.
• Pembina County Unincorporated: No numeric limits; roosters permitted; standard nuisance and health laws apply; winter-insulated coops highly recommended.
• Mercer County Rural (Outside Beulah/Hazen): No permit required; no flock limits; roosters permitted; focus on "Good Neighbor" noise prevention.
• Walsh County Rural (Outside Grafton): Agriculture-focused zoning; no limits on poultry; roosters allowed; focus on drainage and runoff prevention.
• Mountrail County Rural: No limits; roosters allowed; focus on predator-proofing (coyotes and foxes) and seasonal bird health.

Always confirm with your township clerk, county zoning office, or code enforcement, as rules can vary significantly by specific zoning district even in North Dakota's rural areas.

North Dakota Predator & Health Challenges

North Dakota's open prairie and shelterbelts provide ideal cover for predators. The threats are not just from wildlife, but also from domestic animals and migratory birds carrying disease.

• Wildlife Threats: Coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, skunks, and badgers. In wooded areas and near rivers, mink and weasels are notorious for entering tiny gaps in coops.
• Aerial Predators: Red-tailed hawks and Great Horned Owls. Note: All birds of prey are federally protected; you may not harm them to protect your flock.
• Domestic Risks: Free-roaming neighborhood dogs are a leading cause of urban flock loss in North Dakota's growing suburbs.
• The "Invisible" Predator (HPAI): Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza remains a risk. Wild geese and ducks migrating over your yard can drop the virus into your run.

Protection & Biosecurity Tips

• The 1/2-Inch Rule: Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth (welded wire) for all openings. Standard chicken wire is easily shredded by raccoons and offers no protection against weasels.
• Dig Protection: Bury fencing 12 inches deep or create a "hardware cloth apron" extending 2 feet out from the coop base to stop digging coyotes and badgers.
• Covered Runs: Use solid roofing or heavy-duty netting to prevent both aerial attacks and contact with wild bird droppings (HPAI prevention).
• Automatic Doors: Since many North Dakota predators (raccoons, skunks) are nocturnal, an automatic coop door ensures your birds are locked up at dusk even if you aren't home.

Selling Backyard Eggs in North Dakota

In North Dakota, selling backyard eggs is primarily governed by the Cottage Food Act and NDCC 4.1-19. The rules change significantly depending on whether you are selling directly to a neighbor or to a retail store/restaurant.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales (The "Food Freedom" Rule)

If you sell your eggs directly to the person who will eat them (at your farm, through home delivery, or at a farmers market), you are largely exempt from state licensing and inspection.

• Exemption Limit: You may sell eggs from a flock of up to 3,000 birds without an Egg Dealer’s License, provided sales are direct-to-consumer.
• Licensing: No license or permit is required for these direct transactions.
• Cleaning: While not strictly mandated for cottage sales, eggs should be clean and free of visible manure.
• Storage: State guidelines highly recommend storing eggs at 45°F or below. If you wash your eggs, refrigeration becomes a safety requirement to prevent bacteria from entering the porous shell.

Commercial & Retail Sales (The "Egg Dealer" Rule)

If you intend to sell your eggs to a grocery store, a cafe, a restaurant, or any middleman who will resell them, you are classified as an Egg Dealer and must follow stricter regulations:

• Egg Dealer’s License: Required (Current fee is $10 annually, renewed every June 1st).
• Mandatory Candling: Eggs must be candled to check for internal defects (blood spots, cracks).
• Grading: Eggs must be graded (Grade AA, A, or B) according to North Dakota consumer standards.
• Water Testing: If you use well water to wash eggs for commercial sale, you must submit an annual water sample test for nitrates and coliforms.

Labeling Requirements

To remain compliant with both state and federal law, every carton of eggs sold in North Dakota must include the following information:

• Producer Info: Your name and full address.
• Pack Date: The date the eggs were placed in the carton.
• Safe Handling Instructions: The exact federal statement: "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly."
• Cottage Food Disclosure: If selling under the Cottage Food Act, you must inform the consumer (via a sign or label) that: "These eggs are not certified, labeled, licensed, packaged, regulated, or inspected."

Pro-Tip: In North Dakota, you can reuse egg cartons only if they are clean, sound, and dry. You must completely black out or remove any previous brand names, grades, or distributor addresses to avoid "misbranding" penalties.

North Dakota State Poultry Slaughter Rules

In North Dakota, the slaughter and sale of poultry are governed by the North Dakota Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (NDMPIP) and NDCC 4.1-31. While state law generally requires a government inspector to be present during slaughter, most backyard keepers fall under specific "Exempt" categories.

Personal Use Exemption

If you are slaughtering birds of your own raising for the sole consumption of your household and non-paying guests, there is no limit on the number of birds and no inspection required. Under this exemption, the meat cannot be sold or even given away to the general public.

Producer-Grower Exemptions (For Sale)

If you intend to sell your poultry meat in North Dakota, you must meet one of the following criteria to remain exempt from bird-by-bird inspection:

1. The 1,000-Bird Exemption

• Annual Limit: 1,000 birds.
• Sales Rule: You may only sell healthy birds of your own raising directly to the end consumer (on-farm, at farmers markets, or via home delivery).
• Restriction: You cannot sell to retail stores or restaurants.
• Requirement: You must keep records of all sales (including customer names) for two years.

2. The 20,000-Bird Exemption

• Annual Limit: 20,000 birds.
• Sales Rule: You may sell to individual consumers, retail stores, and restaurants (Intrastate only).
• Requirement: You must register with the ND Department of Agriculture and utilize separate, sanitary slaughter areas that are not used for anyone else's birds.

3. Custom Exempt Processing

• Status: Slaughtering birds as a service for a fee.
• Sales Rule: The meat cannot be sold. It must be returned to the owner of the live birds.
• Labeling: Every package must be clearly marked "NOT FOR SALE."

Mandatory Sanitary & Labeling Standards

Even if you are exempt from inspection, all poultry sold in North Dakota must follow these professional standards:

• Labeling: Packages must include your name, address, and the federal statement "Exempt P.L. 90-492".
• Sanitation: Facilities must use potable water and maintain a "sound and clean" environment.
• Zero Commingling: You cannot use your exempt equipment to process birds for other people unless you are specifically licensed as a Custom Exempt plant.

Important Warning: State law allows on-farm slaughter, but many major North Dakota cities—including Fargo, Bismarck, and Williston—specifically prohibit the slaughter of any animal within city limits. Check your specific city section below before processing.

Next Step: Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success

When North Dakota temperatures drop, your coop needs to be a sanctuary; use our winter-ready DIY coop plans to protect your birds from harsh weather. For ongoing care, view our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Coop Management Guide.