Can I keep chickens in Fairbanks, AK?
Yes — Fairbanks allows backyard chickens, up to 18 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (FNSBC 18.96.250, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 18 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 2,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosures must meet zoning district setbacks or 20 feet whichever is greater; urban livestock must be incidental to residential use on same site |
| Code section | FNSBC 18.96.250 |
The Fairbanks North Star Borough allows up to 8 chickens and/or ducks combined on lots of 2,000-9,999 sq ft, with one additional bird per 1,000 sq ft over 9,999 sq ft, capped at 18 total. Roosters are not listed as permitted urban livestock. Enclosures require a 20-foot setback or the zone required setback, whichever is greater.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fairbanks?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Fairbanks (FNSBC 18.96.250).
How many chickens can I keep in Fairbanks?
Up to 18 hens. 8 hens on lots of 2,000+ sq ft, +1 per 0.001 sq ft above 9,999, max 18.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fairbanks?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Fairbanks.
Are roosters allowed in Fairbanks?
No — roosters are prohibited in Fairbanks.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fairbanks?
20 feet minimum. Enclosures must meet zoning district setbacks or 20 feet whichever is greater; urban livestock must be incidental to residential use on same site
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Fairbanks?
Yes — 2,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Fairbanks?
FNSBC 18.96.250. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
FNSBC 18.96.250 — read the official code
“The keeping of ducks and/or chickens is permitted on lots or zoning lots 2,000 square feet in size or larger. On lots or zoning lots between 2,000 square feet and 9,999 square feet in size, the total number of ducks and chickens shall not exceed eight in number. On lots or zoning lots 10,000 square feet or larger, one additional duck or chicken is permitted for every additional 1,000 square feet of lot size. The total number of ducks and/or chickens shall not exceed 18 in number regardless of lot size. Enclosures, structures or beehives designed for the keeping of urban livestock animals shall meet the required setbacks of each zoning district, or 20 feet, whichever is greater.” 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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