1. Billings, MT
You need to obtain a $25 Chicken Permit to keep chickens in your backyard within the City of Billings, Montana. According to Billings' Urban Chicken Ordinance 12-5580, you may keep up to 6 chickens (no roosters) on any single-family parcel. The ordinance does not allow the keeping of backyard chickens on multi-dwelling parcels. Residents on single-family parcels must obtain a permit from the City of Billings Animal Control prior to acquiring the birds. All chicken enclosures must not be located closer than 10 feet to any neighboring property line.
2. Missoula, MT
Missoula Ordinance-3585 allows residents to keep up to 6 female chickens with a permit. The permit fee is $30 and must be renewed every three years. The keeping of ducks and female quails is also permitted in the city. Chickens, ducks, and quails may be kept on single-family parcels with a permit. These birds may also be kept on multi-dwelling parcels if all residents and the property owner consent in writing.
3. Great Falls, MT
In Great Falls, Montana, backyard chickens are currently permitted only in suburban districts (R-1 Single-family), according to the City Code. In suburban districts, as defined in Title 17, chickens must be kept in an enclosure so secure as to prevent them from running at large. You may contact Planning and Community Development at (406) 455-8430 to determine whether your property is zoned R-1 Single-family suburban. Alternatively, you can visit the Interactive Zoning Map.
4. Bozeman, MT
In Bozeman, MT, you're required to obtain an Urban Chicken Permit to keep a limited number of chickens in your backyard. The keeping of 6 or fewer chickens requires a one-time $25 permit fee. A one-time $50 permit fee is required for the keeping of 7 to 15 chickens. Chickens may be kept on:
- Single-household parcels
- Parcels under unitary ownership with multiple dwellings on site
- Residential parcels under common ownership
The number of chickens you can own depends on the size of your parcel. For example, up to 4 chickens are allowed for the first 3,000 square feet of any residential parcel. Then one additional chicken is allowed for each additional 1,000 square feet, up to a maximum of 15 chickens.
5. Helena, MT
The keeping of chickens, turkeys, or ducks is permitted within the city limits of Helena, Montana. A maximum of 6 chickens may be kept on a single-family parcel of property. On a parcel having more than one dwelling unit, chickens may be kept if all residents and the property owner consent in writing to allow the chickens on the property. The keeping of roosters and the sale of eggs as well as any other chicken product generated is prohibited within the city. The City Code requires all chicken enclosures to be kept at least 10 feet away from any property line and 25 feet from any adjacent residential structure.
6. Kalispell, MT
Backyard chickens are allowed in the City of Kalispell, MT. But before you acquire the birds, you need to obtain a permit from the City. According to the city's Animals and Fowl Ordinance, only one permit will be issued per household. The permit allows you to own female chickens only, as roosters are banned in the city.
7. Belgrade, MT
A $100 Chicken-Keeping Permit is required to have backyard chickens in Belgrade, Montana. Chickens may be kept on detached single-household parcels in residential zoning districts within the city. Up to 6 chickens may be kept on a lot of 7, 000 square feet. Roosters under the age of three months are permitted in the city.
8. Whitefish, MT
The City of Whitefish allows residents to keep backyard chickens in residential zones. A permit is not required to keep 5 female chickens or less in the city. Your chicken enclosures may be located in rear and side yards. However, the City Code requires all chicken enclosures to be located at least 10 feet from the property lines.
9. Livingston, MT
Backyard chickens are allowed everywhere in Park County, Montana, and the city of Livingston is no exception. You're limited to having a maximum of 6 chickens (no roosters) in Livingston, as per the Park County Chicken Brochure, which was crafted to help residents wanting to keep healthy chickens in their city backyards and abide by city and public health codes.
10. Miles City, MT
Up to six female chickens are allowed per household in Miles City, Montana. A building permit is required for the construction of chicken coops and runs. Chickens must be kept in their coop from sunset to sunrise, according to the City's chicken-keeping ordinance. Your chicken coop and run must be placed at least 20 feet away from any residential structure and 10 feet from all property lines.
