Can I keep chickens in Belgrade, MT?
Yes, with conditions — Belgrade allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($100) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 7,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-proof, ventilated chicken house; not in front yard; >=20 ft from any inhabited structure of another, >=10 ft from any property line/alley, >=20 ft from property line along a public street. Birds secured sunset to sunrise. |
| Code section | Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7) |
Belgrade allows up to 6 hens (no roosters over 3 months) as an accessory use on detached single-household parcels of at least 7,000 sq ft, but only with a Chicken Keeping Permit. The one-time fee is $100 and requires adjacent-neighbor notification (two or more neighbors can force a Council hearing). Slaughter within public view is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Belgrade?
Yes, with conditions — Belgrade allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7)).
How many chickens can I keep in Belgrade?
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 Belgrade?
Yes — Belgrade requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $100).
Are roosters allowed in Belgrade?
No — roosters are prohibited in Belgrade.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Belgrade?
10 feet minimum. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated chicken house; not in front yard; >=20 ft from any inhabited structure of another, >=10 ft from any property line/alley, >=20 ft from property line along a public street. Birds secured sunset to sunrise.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Belgrade?
Yes — 7,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Belgrade?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7).
What law covers backyard chickens in Belgrade?
Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Belgrade City Code Title 4, Ch. 7 (Ord. 2018-8 / 2023-7) — read the official code
“The permitted number of chickens shall be six (6) female domestic chickens (hens) over the age of three months ... not to exceed a total of six (6) chickens per permit holder.” source
“The Minimum Lot Size for a residential parcel containing the accessory use shall be 7,000 square feet.” source
“A permit (maximum six (6) chickens) requires a one-time fee of $100.00.” source
“No male chickens (roosters) over the age of three months shall be permitted.” 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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