Can I keep chickens in Burnsville, MN?
Yes, with conditions — Burnsville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City Code Title 6, Ch. 2, Sec. 6-2-18 & 6-2-27 (Ord. 1539/1592), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hen poultry confined to a coop or run; not in home/garage; coop/run not in front or side yard; set back >=50 ft from any residential structure on adjacent lots and >=10 ft from property line; screened by solid fence/landscaping >=4 ft; coop max 10 sq ft per bird and <=6 ft tall, elevated 12-24 in; run max 20 sq ft per bird. |
| Code section | City Code Title 6, Ch. 2, Sec. 6-2-18 & 6-2-27 (Ord. 1539/1592) |
Burnsville permits up to 4 hen poultry per residence in its residential districts (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3A, R-3B, R-3D); no license is required (chicken licensing was eliminated in 2019). Roosters and drakes are prohibited. Coops/runs must be set back 50 ft from adjacent residential structures and 10 ft from property lines. Slaughtering is prohibited in all residential districts except R-1A.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Burnsville?
Yes, with conditions — Burnsville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City Code Title 6, Ch. 2, Sec. 6-2-18 & 6-2-27 (Ord. 1539/1592)).
How many chickens can I keep in Burnsville?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Burnsville?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Burnsville.
Are roosters allowed in Burnsville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Burnsville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Burnsville?
50 feet minimum. Hen poultry confined to a coop or run; not in home/garage; coop/run not in front or side yard; set back >=50 ft from any residential structure on adjacent lots and >=10 ft from property line; screened by solid fence/landscaping >=4 ft; coop max 10 sq ft per bird and <=6 ft tall, elevated 12-24 in; run max 20 sq ft per bird.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Burnsville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Burnsville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Burnsville?
City Code Title 6, Ch. 2, Sec. 6-2-18 & 6-2-27 (Ord. 1539/1592). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code Title 6, Ch. 2, Sec. 6-2-18 & 6-2-27 (Ord. 1539/1592) — read the official code
“4 poultry shall be maintained at any one residence or premises. 2. Hen poultry may be kept within the Residential Districts (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3A, R-3B, and R-3D)... The keeping of roosters and drakes are prohibited.” source
“Any poultry coop or run shall be set back at least fifty feet (50') from any residential structure on any adjacent lots and ten feet (10') from the property line... Except within the R-1A One Family Rural Residential District, slaughtering of animals is prohibited within all Residential Districts.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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