Can I keep chickens in Eagan, MN?
Yes, with conditions — Eagan allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City Code Sec. 10.12, Subd. 8 (Harboring and keeping of chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop required, min 2 sq ft/chicken interior; run required, min 5 sq ft/chicken, fully enclosed; coop/run no closer than 25 ft to any inhabitable building; set back >=10 ft from rear lot line and >=5 ft from side lot lines; not in front yard; not housed in residence or garage. One-year permit, renewable with inspection. |
| Code section | City Code Sec. 10.12, Subd. 8 (Harboring and keeping of chickens) |
Eagan allows up to five chickens on a parcel zoned for single-family detached dwelling (or in agricultural zones) with a city permit; the permit is one year, renewable annually with inspection. Roosters are prohibited and slaughtering on any residentially-zoned property is prohibited. Coops and runs have detailed size and setback requirements.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Eagan?
Yes, with conditions — Eagan allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City Code Sec. 10.12, Subd. 8 (Harboring and keeping of chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Eagan?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Eagan?
Yes — Eagan requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Eagan?
No — roosters are prohibited in Eagan.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Eagan?
10 feet minimum. Coop required, min 2 sq ft/chicken interior; run required, min 5 sq ft/chicken, fully enclosed; coop/run no closer than 25 ft to any inhabitable building; set back >=10 ft from rear lot line and >=5 ft from side lot lines; not in front yard; not housed in residence or garage. One-year permit, renewable with inspection.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Eagan?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Eagan's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Eagan?
City Code Sec. 10.12, Subd. 8 (Harboring and keeping of chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code Sec. 10.12, Subd. 8 (Harboring and keeping of chickens) — read the official code
“No more than five chickens shall be kept or harbored on the premises to which the permit applies. (b) Roosters are prohibited. (c) Slaughtering of chickens on any property zoned for residential use is prohibited.” source
“The fee for a resident applying for a backyard chicken permit is $50.” source
“It is unlawful for any person to keep... any chicken within the city, except: 1. In an area zoned as agricultural; or 2. Pursuant to a permit... on a parcel of record zoned for single family detached dwelling... The chicken coop and run shall be setback at least ten feet from the rear lot line and at least five feet from the side lot lines.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →