Can I keep chickens in Duluth, MN?
Yes — Duluth allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Duluth Legislative Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl); zoning 50-14.2, 50-14.3, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($12) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Annual license (Jan 1-Dec 31) and inspection required; one license per one- or two-family dwelling. Secure, roofed, fully enclosed wind-proof structure with heat source. Min 10 sq ft of floor/enclosure space per chicken. Structure must be at least 25 ft from any residential dwelling on adjacent lots. |
| Code section | Duluth Legislative Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl); zoning 50-14.2, 50-14.3 |
Duluth allows up to five chickens (no roosters) per single- or two-family dwelling with an annual $12 license and mandatory inspection, outside the rural R-C and RR-1 zones (which have separate rules). Slaughter is prohibited citywide. Coops must be roofed, enclosed, heated, at least 25 feet from any residential dwelling on adjacent lots, with at least 10 sq ft per bird.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Duluth?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Duluth (Duluth Legislative Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl); zoning 50-14.2, 50-14.3).
How many chickens can I keep in Duluth?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Duluth?
Yes — Duluth requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $12).
Are roosters allowed in Duluth?
No — roosters are prohibited in Duluth.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Duluth?
25 feet minimum. Annual license (Jan 1-Dec 31) and inspection required; one license per one- or two-family dwelling. Secure, roofed, fully enclosed wind-proof structure with heat source. Min 10 sq ft of floor/enclosure space per chicken. Structure must be at least 25 ft from any residential dwelling on adjacent lots.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Duluth?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Duluth's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Duluth?
Duluth Legislative Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl); zoning 50-14.2, 50-14.3. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Duluth Legislative Code Chapter 6 (Animals and Fowl); zoning 50-14.2, 50-14.3 — read the official code
“No person shall keep more than five chickens; No person shall keep a rooster; No person shall keep any chickens inside a dwelling unit; No person shall slaughter any chickens within the city of Duluth... not be less than ten square feet of floor space per chicken; No roofed structure or fenced yard enclosure shall be located closer than 25 feet to any residential dwelling on the adjacent lots.” source
“LICENSE FEE - KEEPING OF CHICKENS = $12.00 ... LICENSE PERIOD: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →