Can I keep chickens in Horace, ND?
Yes — Horace allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 3 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ch. 11-04, §§ 11-0401 through 11-0407 (Ord. 2025-10, effective November 2025), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop setback | 3 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Detached single-family residential parcels only. Coop: min 4 sq ft per hen, max 10 sq ft per hen, max 6 ft height; elevated 24 in above ground OR rodent-resistant floor; not attached to dwelling or attached garage. Run: min 10 sq ft per hen including coop area, max 20 sq ft per hen, max 7 ft fence height. Chickens confined in coop from sunset to sunrise. No slaughter or breeding on premises. |
| Code section | Ch. 11-04, §§ 11-0401 through 11-0407 (Ord. 2025-10, effective November 2025) |
Horace enacted a dedicated chicken chapter (11-04) via Ordinance 2025-10, effective November 2025. Residents of detached single-family parcels may keep up to 6 hens with an annual $10 permit; roosters, slaughter, and breeding are all prohibited. Coops require 4-10 sq ft per bird at max 6 ft height and a 3-foot property-line setback.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Horace?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Horace (Ch. 11-04, §§ 11-0401 through 11-0407 (Ord. 2025-10, effective November 2025)).
How many chickens can I keep in Horace?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Horace?
Yes — Horace requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
Are roosters allowed in Horace?
No — roosters are prohibited in Horace.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Horace?
3 feet minimum. Detached single-family residential parcels only. Coop: min 4 sq ft per hen, max 10 sq ft per hen, max 6 ft height; elevated 24 in above ground OR rodent-resistant floor; not attached to dwelling or attached garage. Run: min 10 sq ft per hen including coop area, max 20 sq ft per hen, max 7 ft fence height. Chickens confined in coop from sunset to sunrise. No slaughter or breeding on premises.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Horace?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Horace's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Horace?
Ch. 11-04, §§ 11-0401 through 11-0407 (Ord. 2025-10, effective November 2025). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ch. 11-04, §§ 11-0401 through 11-0407 (Ord. 2025-10, effective November 2025) — read the official code
“Registration will not be issued for the keeping or harboring of more than six (6) chickens on any premises. The keeping or harboring of male chickens or roosters is prohibited. The breeding and butchering of chickens on any premises within the City are prohibited. The permit is not valid until the permittee has paid the ten dollar ($10) permit fee.” source
“Chicken coops and chicken runs are subject to a three (3) foot setback from any adjacent premises. All chicken coops must be a minimum of four (4) square feet per chicken in size, may not exceed ten (10) square feet per chicken in size, and may not exceed six (6) feet in total height from adjacent ground level.” 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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