Can I keep chickens in Whitefish, MT?
Yes — Whitefish allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Whitefish City Code 11-3-22(C) (Ord. 08-26), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Hens kept as pets must be in rear and side yards inside fenced enclosures; coops set back at least 10 ft from property lines. Limited to single-family and two-family residential uses. |
| Code section | Whitefish City Code 11-3-22(C) (Ord. 08-26) |
Whitefish allows up to 5 hens kept as pets in residential zones without a permit. Only hens are permitted as pets (no roosters); they must be in rear/side yards inside fenced enclosures with coops set back at least 10 ft from property lines, limited to single-family and two-family uses. Larger numbers fall under separate livestock rules.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Whitefish?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Whitefish (Whitefish City Code 11-3-22(C) (Ord. 08-26)).
How many chickens can I keep in Whitefish?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Whitefish?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Whitefish.
Are roosters allowed in Whitefish?
No — roosters are prohibited in Whitefish.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Whitefish?
10 feet minimum. Hens kept as pets must be in rear and side yards inside fenced enclosures; coops set back at least 10 ft from property lines. Limited to single-family and two-family residential uses.
What law covers backyard chickens in Whitefish?
Whitefish City Code 11-3-22(C) (Ord. 08-26). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Whitefish City Code 11-3-22(C) (Ord. 08-26) — read the official code
“The keeping of five (5) or less hens are allowed as pets in residential zones without permits.” source
“The keeping of hens as pets in residential zones shall be limited to single-family and two-family residential uses (duplexes, sublots, accessory apartments and guesthouses).” source
“All hens kept as pets must be kept in rear and side yards, inside fenced enclosures and coops which must be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from the property lines of the subject tract or lot.” 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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