Can I keep chickens in Laurel, MT?
Yes — Laurel 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. (Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023), 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 | Single-family parcels only. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated coop; no coop/enclosure/hen within 10 ft of right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line; no coop in front yard; hens shut in sunset to sunrise; fenced predator-proof day run; feed in rodent-proof container. |
| Code section | Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023) |
Laurel adopted backyard hens via Ord. O23-01 (March 2023): up to six hens (no roosters) per single-family premises with an annual permit (fee set by Council resolution). A 10-ft setback from rights-of-way, sidewalks, and neighboring property lines applies and coops may not sit in a front yard. Slaughter is allowed but not within view of adjacent property or the public.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Laurel?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Laurel (Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Laurel?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Laurel?
Yes — Laurel requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Laurel?
No — roosters are prohibited in Laurel.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Laurel?
10 feet minimum. Single-family parcels only. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated coop; no coop/enclosure/hen within 10 ft of right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line; no coop in front yard; hens shut in sunset to sunrise; fenced predator-proof day run; feed in rodent-proof container.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Laurel?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023).
What law covers backyard chickens in Laurel?
Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Laurel City Code 6.16.010(E) (Ord. O23-01, 2023) — read the official code
“Up to six chicken hens (female Gallus gallus domesticus) may be kept on a premise subject to the following requirements and subject to all other applicable provisions of this code:” source
“The owner must obtain an annual permit from the city. The fee(s) for this permit will be determined by city council resolution and may be periodically adjusted.” source
“No chicken house, outdoor chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall at any time be located closer than ten feet to any public right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line other than the chicken owner, custodian, or keeper.” 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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