Idaho is a chicken-friendly state, with many cities allowing urban chicken-keeping. But while many Idaho cities allow backyard chickens, some do not. HOA Laws may also prohibit chicken keeping even in cities where it is permitted. So be sure to contact your city office or HOA (if you live within one) before making definitive decisions. Alternatively, you can contact your local animal control office or search online for your municipality's code of ordinances to determine if chickens are allowed in your area. Meanwhile, I've compiled a list of some Idaho municipalities that permit backyard chickens for personal use.
1. Boise, ID
You can have chickens in your backyard in Boise city limits. Aside from chickens, the keeping of ducks, geese turkeys, and other similar domesticated birds is permitted in Boise, ID. Up to 6 female chickens are allowed and you must not allow them to run at large upon the streets, alleys, or other public places
of the City. According to the Boise Animal Code, you must exercise proper care and control of your hens to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. For more information, please contact the Office of the City Clerk.
2. Meridian, ID
In Meridian, ID, chickens are considered livestock and are allowed to be kept for personal use on private property. According to the Meridian City Code, chicken enclosures must be cleaned at least once each week. Additionally, your chickens must not emit noises disturbing to residents of the neighborhood. Furthermore, your chicken enclosure must be escape-proof and predator-proof.
3. Nampa, ID
Property owners in the city of Nampa, ID, are allowed to keep up to 10 chickens in their backyard. However, according to the city's Zoning Ordinance, the keeping of roosters is prohibited. You must keep your hens in a healthy, nuisance-free condition. In addition, your chicken enclosure must be located in the rear or side yard and at least 5 feet from any property line. Further, you must make provision for a viable method of disposal of manure to prevent obnoxious odors and the accumulation of flies from intruding into neighboring properties.
4. Caldwell, ID
In Caldwell, ID, the city code allows property owners to own chickens, ducks, and geese. However, to keep said birds within the city, a minimum lot size of one-half acre is required. A maximum of 30 chickens (no roosters) is allowed per one-half acre. There is an exception to the minimum lot size requirement. According to the city code, no more than 5 chickens (no roosters) may be kept regardless of lot or parcel size.
5. Idaho Falls, ID
If you reside within the City of Idaho Falls, you can legally keep chickens, quail, ducks, and geese in your backyard without a permit. However, the size of your property will determine the maximum number of domesticated birds you can keep. For example, a maximum of 6 chickens is allowed per lot of not less than 5,000 square feet, with 1 additional chicken allowed per each additional 1,250 square feet of lot area, up to a total of 12 chickens. According to the city code, your chicken enclosure must not be located within less than 25 feet of a dwelling other than yours.
6. Pocatello, ID
In Pocatello, ID, a Small Livestock Permit is required to own backyard chickens. There is a fee of $5 per chicken for the permit, which is renewable each year from inception. Under the permit, your chicken enclosure must not be situated within 30 feet of the residence of any neighboring property. Your chicken enclosure must be escape-proof so as to prevent the birds from going at large.
7. Twin Falls, ID
If you reside in Twin Falls, ID, you may keep up to 4 female chickens without a permit, and regardless of the size of your property. If you wish to keep more chickens, a permit is required and your property must be at least 5,000 square feet. Under the permit, no more than 25 chickens are allowed. Please visit the city's animal control website for additional info.
8. Post Falls, ID
In Post Falls, ID, a maximum of 10 female chickens is permitted per detached single-family lot. The keeping of roosters is not permitted within the city limits. Your hen house must be located:
- 5 feet from the side and rear property lines
- 30 feet from the front property line
- 15 feet from the on-site residence
- 25 feet from any neighboring residences
In addition, your hen house must not be attached to a shared fence, according to the Post Falls City Code.
9. Coeur d'Alene, ID
In the City of Coeur d'Alene, only female chickens (hens) are allowed. The keeping of roosters and other types of fowl, including turkeys, ducks, and geese is prohibited. A maximum of 2 hens is allowed per property zoned R-1. According to the city code, hens must be kept in a secure yard, building, or other enclosure at all times.
10. Lewiston, ID
The keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in Lewiston, ID, subject to certain rules. On lots in the F-2 zoning districts, a maximum of 1 hen is allowed per 1,000 square feet of lot area. In the R-1 zoning districts, no more than 1 hen is allowed per 1,000 square feet of lot area to a maximum of 25 hens. The keeping of chickens isn't allowed in the central business district. For more details, see the city's Poultry Keeping Rules and Acknowledgement Form.
Related: How many pets can you own in Idaho?
