Can I keep chickens in Williston, ND?
Yes — Williston allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 4, Article III (Ordinance No. 1155, adopted Feb. 13, 2024), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Fully enclosed detached structure; min 4 sq ft per bird inside, max 10 sq ft per bird; run fully enclosed and covered; coop and run not in front or side yard; 10 ft setback from adjacent premises; written permission from all adjacent neighbors required for permit |
| Code section | Chapter 4, Article III (Ordinance No. 1155, adopted Feb. 13, 2024) |
Williston legalized backyard chickens in February 2024 under Ordinance No. 1155. Up to 4 hens (no roosters) are permitted on lots of at least 5,000 sq ft with an annual permit. Written consent from all adjacent neighbors and a description of coop heating systems are required for the permit application.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Williston?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Williston (Chapter 4, Article III (Ordinance No. 1155, adopted Feb. 13, 2024)).
How many chickens can I keep in Williston?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Williston?
Yes — Williston requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Williston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Williston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Williston?
10 feet minimum. Fully enclosed detached structure; min 4 sq ft per bird inside, max 10 sq ft per bird; run fully enclosed and covered; coop and run not in front or side yard; 10 ft setback from adjacent premises; written permission from all adjacent neighbors required for permit
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Williston?
Yes — 5,000 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Williston?
Chapter 4, Article III (Ordinance No. 1155, adopted Feb. 13, 2024). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 4, Article III (Ordinance No. 1155, adopted Feb. 13, 2024) — read the official code
“Some chickens now legal to own in Williston — City Commission approved second reading of ordinance [February 2024]” source
“Chapter 4, Article III: Keeping of Chickens — no more than four chicken hens; no male chickens; minimum lot size 5,000 sq ft; 10-foot setback from adjacent premises; permit required; written permission from all adjacent neighbors” 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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