Can I keep chickens in Boise, ID?
Yes, with conditions — Boise allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Boise Zoning Code 11-04-03.2.I (Livestock and Animals, Accessory), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 21,780 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Livestock (incl. poultry) must be kept within fences, corrals, barns, or pens; enclosures must meet zone setbacks; structures housing pets at least 10 ft from any habitable building on adjacent lots; max density 2 animal units per acre of livestock area. |
| Code section | Boise Zoning Code 11-04-03.2.I (Livestock and Animals, Accessory) |
Boise's zoning code treats chickens as accessory livestock (12 chickens = 1 animal unit) and requires a minimum of one-half acre to keep poultry, with a max density of 2 animal units per acre of set-aside area. There is no flat residential small-lot hen allowance, so on a typical sub-half-acre lot poultry keeping does not clearly qualify. Roosters are prohibited unless allowed by an overlay zone or other city approval.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Boise?
Yes, with conditions — Boise allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Boise Zoning Code 11-04-03.2.I (Livestock and Animals, Accessory)).
How many chickens can I keep in Boise?
It depends on your lot. 12 chickens = 1 animal unit; minimum 0.5 acre (21,780 sqft) required to keep poultry, max 2 animal units per acre of set-aside area. No flat small-lot residential hen allowance. Roosters prohibited absent overlay/city approval.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Boise?
No — roosters are prohibited in Boise.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Boise?
10 feet minimum. Livestock (incl. poultry) must be kept within fences, corrals, barns, or pens; enclosures must meet zone setbacks; structures housing pets at least 10 ft from any habitable building on adjacent lots; max density 2 animal units per acre of livestock area.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Boise?
Yes — 21,780 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Boise?
Boise Zoning Code 11-04-03.2.I (Livestock and Animals, Accessory). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Boise Zoning Code 11-04-03.2.I (Livestock and Animals, Accessory) — read the official code
“An animal unit is: ... 12 chickens or ducks.” source
“A minimum of one acre is required to keep livestock. For poultry and rabbits, the minimum area is one half acre.” source
“The keeping of any Rooster is prohibited unless allowed per the provisions of an established overlay zone or other approval by the city.” source
“Structures housing pets shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any building used or capable of being used for human habitation on adjacent lots.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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