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Can you have backyard chickens in the state of Alaska? The answer is it depends on where you live and your zoning regulations. That means if you reside in an agricultural area within Alaska, you won't have problems keeping chickens. In residentially zoned areas, however, there are rules and regulations regarding urban chicken keeping.
So as an urban resident, it is best to check with your zoning regulations or local animal ordinances before bringing chickens into your backyard. The following six Alaska municipalities and their urban chicken-keeping laws might point you in the right direction.
1. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage's municipal code permits backyard chickens in all residential zones excluding the R-4 zoning district and mobile home parks. On lots of 6,000 square feet or less, you may keep up to 5 chickens. Then an additional chicken is allowed for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot area. However, you may be required to obtain a facility license. The municipal code requires your chicken coop to be located at least 10 feet from any lot line.
2. Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
In Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK, chickens, along with other small domestic animals are considered livestock, the keeping of which is permitted in residential zoning districts. On lots 2,000 square feet in size or larger, a maximum of 8 chickens is allowed.
Then one additional chicken will be allowed for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot size. If you live in a rural residential area, the maximum number of chickens you can have is 20. The Borough Code prohibits the keeping of mature roosters.
3. Juneau, AK
In Juneau, AK, you may keep up to 6 chickens (no roosters) in the following zoning districts: RR, D-1, D-3, D-5, D-10SF, D-10, LC, GC, WC, WI, I. You don't need a chicken-keeping permit in these zoning districts.
In zoning districts D-15, D-18, MU, and MU2, a maximum of 3 backyard chickens is allowed to be kept without any special permit. However, you must keep your chicken coop more than 100 feet from the nearest neighboring residence. Otherwise, you must obtain a conditional use permit, which is also required if you wish to have more than 3 chickens.
4. Wasilla, AK
The keeping of chickens is permitted as an accessory use within the city of Wasilla. Per the City Code, your chicken coop must be located in the backyard if you reside in the R1, R2, and RM zoning districts. In addition, your chicken coop must be situated at least 25 feet from residential dwellings on neighboring lots. A maximum of six chickens may be kept on lots up to 20,000 square feet.
On lots greater than 20,000 square feet and less than 40,000 square feet, no more than 12 chickens may be kept. A maximum of 15 chickens is allowed on lots between 40,000 square feet, but less than 50,000 square feet. Then for each additional full 10,000 square feet of lot area, an additional three chickens are permitted. So the number of chickens you can own in Wasilla, AK, depends on the size of your property.
5. Kenai, AK
In Kenai, AK, the keeping of chickens is allowed on lots less than 40,000 square feet in all zoning districts, excluding the RU, RS1, RSL, and TSH. On lots with a permitted principal structure, a maximum of 12 female chickens (hens) may be kept, as roosters are prohibited. Your hens are required to be at all times kept in an enclosed shelter or fully fenced-in.
This enclosed shelter must be located in the backyard and have a minimum setback of 15 feet from the side yards, 10 feet from the rear yard, and 25 feet from residential dwellings on neighboring lots.
6. Palmer, AK
In Palmer, AK, the number of chickens you may keep on any lot, tract, or parcel of land is limited to five. If you don't reside in an agricultural district, that is. Also, this restriction does not apply to lots exceeding one acre in size, provided the chickens are kept at least 25 feet from an exterior lot line. For more info, refer to the city of Palmer's municipal code.
Top 8 Best Chicken Breeds for Alaska
With an annual average temperature of 30.7 Fº, the state of Alaska is the coldest in the U.S. As such, Alaska needs a chicken breed that can withstand cold weather. In other words, a cold-hardy chicken breed. According to My Pet Chicken, here are the top eight chicken breeds for cold weather:
- Rhode Island Red
- Ameraucana
- Sussex Chicken
- Australorp
- Plymouth Rock Chicken
- Orpington Chicken
- Cochin Chicken
- Brahma Chicken
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