Can I keep chickens in Saint Paul, MN?
Yes — Saint Paul allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited. (St. Paul Legislative Code (Backyard Chicken Keeping permit), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($26) |
| Coop rules | Coop over 200 sq ft or using electricity requires a building/electrical permit; annual inspection. Tier One (1-6 hens) requires written notice to all adjacent neighbors; Tier Two (7-15 hens) requires a petition signed by 75% of neighbors within 150 ft on the same side of the street. |
| Code section | St. Paul Legislative Code (Backyard Chicken Keeping permit) |
Saint Paul allows hens with a Backyard Chicken Keeping Permit in two tiers: Tier One for 1-6 hens ($26 initial, $16 renewal) requiring written notice to adjacent neighbors, and Tier Two for 7-15 hens ($76 initial, $28 renewal) requiring a 75% neighbor petition. Roosters are prohibited and residents may not keep more than 15 birds.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Saint Paul?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Saint Paul (St. Paul Legislative Code (Backyard Chicken Keeping permit)).
How many chickens can I keep in Saint Paul?
Up to 15 hens. Tier One 1-6 hens (neighbor notice). Tier Two 7-15 hens (75% neighbor petition within 150 ft). Hard cap 15. No roosters. Count is permit-tier based, not lot-size based..
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Saint Paul?
Yes — Saint Paul requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $26).
Are roosters allowed in Saint Paul?
No — roosters are prohibited in Saint Paul.
What law covers backyard chickens in Saint Paul?
St. Paul Legislative Code (Backyard Chicken Keeping permit). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
St. Paul Legislative Code (Backyard Chicken Keeping permit) — read the official code
“A Tier One Backyard Chicken Keeping permit allows residents to maintain between 1-6 hens. The initial cost of a Tier One Permit is $26. The annual renewal fee is $16... A Tier Two Backyard Chicken Keeping permit allows residents to maintain between 7-15 hens. The initial cost of a Tier Two Permit is $76... 75% of neighbors within 150 square feet (on the same side of the street). If your coop is over 200 square feet or uses electricity you are also required to get a building and/or electrical permit... Roosters are prohibited. Residents may not own more than 15 birds at a time.” 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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