Can I keep chickens in Jamestown, ND?
Yes — Jamestown allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl (updated by ordinance July 7, 2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor dwelling and at least 35 feet from permit-holder own dwelling; annual permit expires December 31; permit revocable for nuisance or unsafe conditions |
| Code section | Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl (updated by ordinance July 7, 2025) |
Jamestown updated its fowl ordinance in July 2025, allowing up to 8 hens with an annual permit expiring each December 31. Roosters are prohibited. The coop must be at least 50 feet from a neighbor dwelling and 35 feet from the owner dwelling. The prior 1950s-era ordinance allowed up to 30 hens at 100-foot setback.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Jamestown?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Jamestown (Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl (updated by ordinance July 7, 2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Jamestown?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Jamestown?
Yes — Jamestown requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Jamestown?
No — roosters are prohibited in Jamestown.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Jamestown?
50 feet minimum. Coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor dwelling and at least 35 feet from permit-holder own dwelling; annual permit expires December 31; permit revocable for nuisance or unsafe conditions
What law covers backyard chickens in Jamestown?
Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl (updated by ordinance July 7, 2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl (updated by ordinance July 7, 2025) — read the official code
“sets a limit of eight chickens but prohibits the keeping of roosters in Jamestown” source
“The new ordinance issues annual permits that expire at the end of each calendar year” source
“poultry coop must be at least 50 feet from any neighbor home and at least 35 feet from the home of the fowl owner” 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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