Can I keep chickens in Dickinson, ND?
Yes, with conditions — Dickinson allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (§ 5.12.040 (fowl restricted to RA/RR zones); § 6-80 amended by Ord. 1764 (April 2026, added quail to fowl definition), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Code section | § 5.12.040 (fowl restricted to RA/RR zones); § 6-80 amended by Ord. 1764 (April 2026, added quail to fowl definition) |
Dickinson prohibits domestic fowl (including chickens) in all zones except Residential Agricultural (RA) and Rural Residential (RR) under § 5.12.040. A July 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting discussed expanding chicken-keeping to standard residential zones but no ordinance was adopted. In April 2026 the City Commission passed Ordinance No. 1764 amending § 6-80 to add quail to the definition of domestic fowl, but the § 5.12.040 zone restriction for chickens remains in effect.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dickinson?
Yes, with conditions — Dickinson allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (§ 5.12.040 (fowl restricted to RA/RR zones); § 6-80 amended by Ord. 1764 (April 2026, added quail to fowl definition)).
How many chickens can I keep in Dickinson?
It depends on your lot. Chickens only permitted on RA (Residential Agricultural) or RR (Rural Residential) zoned property; prohibited in all standard residential zones as of June 2026. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dickinson?
§ 5.12.040 (fowl restricted to RA/RR zones); § 6-80 amended by Ord. 1764 (April 2026, added quail to fowl definition). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 5.12.040 (fowl restricted to RA/RR zones); § 6-80 amended by Ord. 1764 (April 2026, added quail to fowl definition) — read the official code
“Section 5.12.040: A person may not keep or raise domestic fowl, livestock or non-traditional livestock, within the City of Dickinson except as permitted in property which is zoned as Residential Agricultural — RA or Rural Residential — RR” source
“Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission met July 9, 2025 to discuss proposed backyard chicken ordinance; police declined to support enforcement; commission did not advance recommendation” source
“Ordinance No. 1764 amending Municipal Code § 6-80 to expand definition of domestic fowl to include quail; passed by unanimous vote April 2026” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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