Can I keep chickens in Sitka, AK?
Yes, with conditions — Sitka allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (SGC 22.20.130, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | All outdoor small animals (dogs, cats, feathered fowl, ferrets, rabbits, and other small animals) combined may not exceed 5; indoor animals excluded from this count |
| Code section | SGC 22.20.130 |
Sitka zoning code section 22.20.130 caps the combined total of all outdoor small animals including feathered fowl such as chickens at 5 per property. The limit is shared across species (dogs, cats, chickens, ferrets, rabbits, etc.), so the maximum number of hens depends on what other outdoor animals are kept. Animals inside the dwelling do not count toward the limit.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Sitka?
Yes, with conditions — Sitka allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (SGC 22.20.130).
How many chickens can I keep in Sitka?
It depends on your lot. Max 5 outdoor animals total across all species combined per SGC 22.20.130; chickens count within this shared cap. Actual hen limit is 5 only if no other outdoor animals are kept.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Sitka?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Sitka.
What law covers backyard chickens in Sitka?
SGC 22.20.130. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
SGC 22.20.130 — read the official code
“property owners shall be allowed any combination of up to five domestic dogs, cats, feathered fowl, ferrets, rabbits or other small animals living outside. Animals living within a residence are permitted and are excluded from this maximum allowance.” 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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