Can I keep chickens in Helena, MT?
Yes — Helena allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Coop rules | Animals other than dogs and cats must be kept at least 25 ft from another person's dwelling; coop structures also subject to general zoning/accessory-structure rules. |
| Code section | Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020) |
Helena's animal code expressly lists chickens, turkeys, and ducks among animals that may be kept within city limits, with no numerical limit and no permit required (only dogs require a license). The only spatial rule is a 25-ft setback from another person's dwelling. The section does not prohibit roosters.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Helena?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Helena (Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020)).
How many chickens can I keep in Helena?
Helena sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Helena?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Helena.
Are roosters allowed in Helena?
Yes, with conditions — see Helena's rules (Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020)).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Helena?
25 feet minimum. Animals other than dogs and cats must be kept at least 25 ft from another person's dwelling; coop structures also subject to general zoning/accessory-structure rules.
What law covers backyard chickens in Helena?
Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Helena City Code 5-2-2 (Ord. 3282, 2020) — read the official code
“The following animals may be kept in city limits: ... Chickens, turkeys, or ducks” source
“Animals other than dogs and cats shall be located or kept at least twenty-five feet (25') away from the dwelling of another person. (Ord. 3282, 7-13-2020)” 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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