Can I keep chickens in Mankato, MN?
Yes — Mankato allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Mankato City Code Chapter 4 (backyard-chicken amendment adopted July 13, 2026), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop and run must be in the back yard, at least 10 ft from any property line. Coop max 120 sq ft; run limited to 20 sq ft per hen. Single-family dwellings on their own lot only; renters need property-owner sign-off. No keeper license, but a $50 zoning permit is required for the coop. |
| Code section | Mankato City Code Chapter 4 (backyard-chicken amendment adopted July 13, 2026) |
Mankato adopted its backyard chicken ordinance on July 13, 2026; notice was published July 17, 2026 and the ordinance takes effect August 16, 2026. Until that date keeping chickens remains unlawful. From August 16: up to 4 hens at single-family homes on their own lot, no roosters, no keeper license but a $50 zoning permit for the coop, coop and run in the back yard at least 10 ft from property lines, coop max 120 sq ft and run 20 sq ft per hen.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Mankato?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Mankato (Mankato City Code Chapter 4 (backyard-chicken amendment adopted July 13, 2026)).
How many chickens can I keep in Mankato?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Mankato?
Yes — Mankato requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Mankato?
No — roosters are prohibited in Mankato.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Mankato?
10 feet minimum. Coop and run must be in the back yard, at least 10 ft from any property line. Coop max 120 sq ft; run limited to 20 sq ft per hen. Single-family dwellings on their own lot only; renters need property-owner sign-off. No keeper license, but a $50 zoning permit is required for the coop.
What law covers backyard chickens in Mankato?
Mankato City Code Chapter 4 (backyard-chicken amendment adopted July 13, 2026). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Mankato City Code Chapter 4 (backyard-chicken amendment adopted July 13, 2026) — read the official code
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 13th day of July at 6 p.m. the Mankato City Council adopted an Ordinance amending Mankato City Code Chapter 4, pertaining to the Keeping of Chickens in Residential Areas... This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after publication of notice of its adoption.” source
“Keeping restricted; license required. It is unlawful for any person to keep any animal, not in transit, in any part of the city, unless the area where the animal is kept is zoned for agricultural purposes or a license has been issued for an accessory use in an approved zoo, museum, or educational facility as permitted under chapter 10.” source
“It is unlawful for any person to keep any animal, not in transit, in any part of the city, unless the area where the animal is kept is zoned for agricultural purposes or a license has been issued for an accessory use in an approved zoo, museum, or educational facility as permitted under chapter 10.” source
“Animal means any cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, swine, ponies, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens, and all other animals and feathered fowl, except dogs and cats...” source
Last verified July 19, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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