Can I keep chickens in Idaho Falls, ID?
Yes — Idaho Falls allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Coop/run must be at least 25 ft from any dwelling other than the keeper's. Lot must be at least 5,000 sqft. Male fowl prohibited beyond 12 weeks of age. Eggs/meat may not be sold for profit unless allowed by zoning. |
| Code section | Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3 |
Idaho Falls allows 6 hens (fowl) on a lot of at least 5,000 sqft, plus 1 additional fowl per extra 1,250 sqft, up to a maximum of 12 fowl per lot. Roosters/male fowl are prohibited beyond 12 weeks from hatch. Coops must be at least 25 ft from a neighbor's dwelling; on-premise humane slaughter of fowl is permitted where allowed by Idaho Code and the Zoning Code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Idaho Falls?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Idaho Falls (Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3).
How many chickens can I keep in Idaho Falls?
Up to 12 hens. 6 hens on lots of 5,000+ sq ft, +1 per 1 sq ft above 1,250, max 12.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Idaho Falls?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Idaho Falls.
Are roosters allowed in Idaho Falls?
No — roosters are prohibited in Idaho Falls.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Idaho Falls?
25 feet minimum. Coop/run must be at least 25 ft from any dwelling other than the keeper's. Lot must be at least 5,000 sqft. Male fowl prohibited beyond 12 weeks of age. Eggs/meat may not be sold for profit unless allowed by zoning.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Idaho Falls?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Idaho Falls?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3.
What law covers backyard chickens in Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Idaho Falls City Code 5-5-3 — read the official code
“A person may lawfully maintain six (6) fowl which are more than twelve (12) weeks from hatch per lot of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet and one (1) additional fowl ... for each additional twelve hundred fifty (1,250) square feet per lot up to a total of twelve (12) fowl ... per lot.” source
“It shall be unlawful to keep or maintain male fowl within the City limits except for a time period not to exceed twelve (12) weeks from hatch” source
“In no event shall the coop and/or run constructed for containing fowl be less than twenty-five feet (25') from a dwelling other than that of the person keeping or maintaining fowl.” 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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