Can I keep chickens in Lakeville, MN?
Yes, with conditions — Lakeville allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 3 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Lakeville City Code 11-35-3.C (Keeping of Chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 3 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Single-family residential lots only, via administrative permit (owner-occupied, non-transferable). Coop min 2 sq ft/chicken, max 32 sq ft, winterized, wood exterior; enclosed run 5-20 sq ft/chicken attached to coop; rear yard only, set back min 20 ft from any lot line, located closer to the owner's dwelling than to any abutting dwelling. Chickens confined in coop sunset to sunrise. No breeding; eggs for personal use only; no slaughter on residential property. |
| Code section | Lakeville City Code 11-35-3.C (Keeping of Chickens) |
Lakeville allows up to 3 hens (no roosters) on a single-family residential lot with an approved administrative permit; the permit is owner-occupied and non-transferable. The coop (max 32 sq ft, min 2 sq ft/bird) and an enclosed run of 5-20 sq ft/bird must sit in the rear yard at least 20 ft from any lot line. Chickens must be confined sunset to sunrise, eggs are for personal use only, and slaughter on residential property is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lakeville?
Yes, with conditions — Lakeville allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Lakeville City Code 11-35-3.C (Keeping of Chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Lakeville?
Up to 3 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Lakeville?
Yes — Lakeville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Lakeville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lakeville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lakeville?
20 feet minimum. Single-family residential lots only, via administrative permit (owner-occupied, non-transferable). Coop min 2 sq ft/chicken, max 32 sq ft, winterized, wood exterior; enclosed run 5-20 sq ft/chicken attached to coop; rear yard only, set back min 20 ft from any lot line, located closer to the owner's dwelling than to any abutting dwelling. Chickens confined in coop sunset to sunrise. No breeding; eggs for personal use only; no slaughter on residential property.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Lakeville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Lakeville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Lakeville?
Lakeville City Code 11-35-3.C (Keeping of Chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Lakeville City Code 11-35-3.C (Keeping of Chickens) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed to be kept on a property shall be three (3) chickens. (2) The keeping of roosters is prohibited.” source
“The keeping of chickens ... may be allowed upon a property developed with a single-family dwelling within a residential zoning district subject to approval of an administrative permit ... The interior floor space of the coop shall provide a minimum of two (2) square feet for each chicken ... The coop shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet ... A run ... minimum area of five (5) square feet and maximum area of twenty (20) square feet per chicken ... The coop and run shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet (20') from any lot line ... The slaughtering of chickens upon a residential property is prohibited.” 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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