Can I keep chickens in Billings, MT?
Yes — Billings allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-proof, ventilated coop >=2 sq ft/hen; coop/enclosure max 12 ft peak; not in front yard; hens shut in at night; feed in rodent-proof container. Single-family parcels only. |
| Code section | Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580) |
Billings allows up to six female hens on single-family parcels (prohibited on multi-dwelling parcels) with an annual Animal Control permit. No roosters. Coops/enclosures must be at least 10 ft from property lines and may not sit in a front yard. Slaughter is permitted but not within view of adjacent property or the public.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Billings?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Billings (Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580)).
How many chickens can I keep in Billings?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Billings?
Yes — Billings requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Billings?
No — roosters are prohibited in Billings.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Billings?
10 feet minimum. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated coop >=2 sq ft/hen; coop/enclosure max 12 ft peak; not in front yard; hens shut in at night; feed in rodent-proof container. Single-family parcels only.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Billings?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580).
What law covers backyard chickens in Billings?
Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Billings City Code Sec. 4-303 (Ord. 12-5580) — read the official code
“Up to six (6) chicken hens (female Gallus gallus domesticus) may be kept on a premise subject to the following requirements” source
“The chicken hens must be kept on a single-family parcel(s). Chicken hens are prohibited on any multi-dwelling parcel(s).” source
“No chicken house, outdoor chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall at any time be located closer than 10 feet to any public right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line” source
“No chicken hens shall be slaughtered within view of adjacent property or the public.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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