Can I keep chickens in Polson, MT?
Yes, with conditions — Polson allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 30 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 30 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-proof, ventilated detached utility building plus predator-proof run; secured sunset to sunrise; no electrical wiring (solar/battery only). Utility building >=30 ft from any structure inhabited by others and >=10 ft from any property line, not within property setbacks. |
| Code section | Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008) |
Polson allows up to six adult hens under a city permit issued per address (and, as of Ord. 2025-008 effective Jan 1, 2026, ducks). No roosters over three months; chickens must stay on the property in a permitted coop and run. The permit fee is set by commission resolution and permits run three calendar years. Slaughter within public view is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Polson?
Yes, with conditions — Polson allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008)).
How many chickens can I keep in Polson?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Polson?
Yes — Polson requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Polson?
No — roosters are prohibited in Polson.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Polson?
30 feet minimum. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated detached utility building plus predator-proof run; secured sunset to sunrise; no electrical wiring (solar/battery only). Utility building >=30 ft from any structure inhabited by others and >=10 ft from any property line, not within property setbacks.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Polson?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008).
What law covers backyard chickens in Polson?
Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Polson Municipal Code 13.01.030 (Ord. 2025-008) — read the official code
“There will be a strict limit of six adult (aged over six months) chickens at all times.” source
“No male chickens (roosters) over the age of three months are permitted.” source
“No detached utility building shall be located closer than 30 feet to any structure inhabited by someone other than the chicken owner, custodian, or keeper, and not closer than ten feet to any property line, nor located within any setbacks of the property.” source
“No chickens shall be slaughtered within the public view.” 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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