Can I keep chickens in Anchorage, AK?
Yes — Anchorage allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (AMC 21.05.070D, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Structures must meet zoning district setbacks and be at least 10 feet from any lot line; chronic noise prohibited |
| Code section | AMC 21.05.070D |
Anchorage permits up to 5 hens on lots 6,000 sq ft or less, with one additional hen per additional 1,000 sq ft of lot area. Roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, and geese are prohibited. Coops must comply with zoning district setbacks and stay at least 10 feet from any lot line.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Anchorage?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Anchorage (AMC 21.05.070D).
How many chickens can I keep in Anchorage?
It depends on your lot. 5 hens, +1 per 0.001 sq ft above 6,000.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Anchorage?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Anchorage.
Are roosters allowed in Anchorage?
No — roosters are prohibited in Anchorage.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Anchorage?
10 feet minimum. Structures must meet zoning district setbacks and be at least 10 feet from any lot line; chronic noise prohibited
What law covers backyard chickens in Anchorage?
AMC 21.05.070D. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
AMC 21.05.070D — read the official code
“You are permitted up to 5 chickens on lots 6,000 square feet or less. For each additional animal, you need an additional 1,000 square feet of area. Noisy animals such as roosters, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, or geese are prohibited. Structures for keeping the animals must meet the setbacks of the zoning district, and be at least 10 feet from any lot line.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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