Can I keep chickens in Kalispell, MT?
Yes — Kalispell allows backyard chickens, up to 15 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 20 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 15 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Covered, predator-proof, ventilated chicken house plus predator-proof enclosure; house no closer than 20 ft to a structure inhabited by another and no closer than 5 ft to any property line; secured sunset to sunrise; feed in rodent-proof container. |
| Code section | Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D) |
Kalispell permits hens only (no roosters) under a permit, scaling with lot size: four hens for the first 3,000 sq ft plus one per additional 1,000 sq ft, capped at 15; keeping seven or more triggers inspection and a neighbor-protest hearing. Coops must be at least 20 ft from another's dwelling and 5 ft from property lines. Slaughter is allowed but not within public view.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kalispell?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Kalispell (Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D)).
How many chickens can I keep in Kalispell?
Up to 15 hens. 4 hens on lots of 3,000+ sq ft, +1 per 1 sq ft above 1,000, max 15.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Kalispell?
Yes — Kalispell requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Kalispell?
No — roosters are prohibited in Kalispell.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Kalispell?
20 feet minimum. Covered, predator-proof, ventilated chicken house plus predator-proof enclosure; house no closer than 20 ft to a structure inhabited by another and no closer than 5 ft to any property line; secured sunset to sunrise; feed in rodent-proof container.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Kalispell?
Yes — 3,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Kalispell?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D).
What law covers backyard chickens in Kalispell?
Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Kalispell Municipal Code Ch. 4, Sec. 4-1(D) — read the official code
“For the first 3,000 square feet of any residential parcel, up to four chickens; For each additional 1,000 square feet of any residential parcel, one additional hen up to a maximum of 15” source
“No roosters shall be kept or maintained within the City.” source
“No chicken house shall be located closer than 20 feet to any structure inhabited by someone other than the chicken owner, custodian, or keeper, and not closer than five feet to any property line.” 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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