Can I keep chickens in Rapid City, SD?
Yes — Rapid City allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (RCMC 6.08.020 (amended) and 6.08.021 (new), Ordinance No. 6713 (adopted April 20, 2026), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | RCMC 6.08.021 (Ord. 6713): single-family dwellings in LDR-1, LDR-2, MDR, HDR, MHR and PF districts. Coop and attached run must be duly permitted per Title 17 (a structure/zoning permit; no keeper license from the Finance Officer). Coop min 2 sq ft per hen with solid roof; run min 10 sq ft per hen. Setbacks: 25 ft from any residential dwelling, church, school or business (excluding own residence), 15 ft from any lot line, or Title 17 setback, whichever is greatest. Back yard only; no free roaming; personal use only, no sales of eggs, chickens or manure; dead birds disposed within 36 hours. |
| Code section | RCMC 6.08.020 (amended) and 6.08.021 (new), Ordinance No. 6713 (adopted April 20, 2026) |
Rapid City legalized backyard hens on April 20, 2026 (6-4 council vote, Ordinance 6713). Homeowners may keep up to 6 hens plus 6 female brooding chicks under 12 weeks; roosters remain prohibited. No keeper license is required; the coop and run must be permitted as structures under Title 17 of the city code.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Rapid City?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Rapid City (RCMC 6.08.020 (amended) and 6.08.021 (new), Ordinance No. 6713 (adopted April 20, 2026)).
How many chickens can I keep in Rapid City?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Rapid City?
Yes — Rapid City requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Rapid City?
No — roosters are prohibited in Rapid City.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Rapid City?
15 feet minimum. RCMC 6.08.021 (Ord. 6713): single-family dwellings in LDR-1, LDR-2, MDR, HDR, MHR and PF districts. Coop and attached run must be duly permitted per Title 17 (a structure/zoning permit; no keeper license from the Finance Officer). Coop min 2 sq ft per hen with solid roof; run min 10 sq ft per hen. Setbacks: 25 ft from any residential dwelling, church, school or business (excluding own residence), 15 ft from any lot line, or Title 17 setback, whichever is greatest. Back yard only; no free roaming; personal use only, no sales of eggs, chickens or manure; dead birds disposed within 36 hours.
What law covers backyard chickens in Rapid City?
RCMC 6.08.020 (amended) and 6.08.021 (new), Ordinance No. 6713 (adopted April 20, 2026). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
RCMC 6.08.020 (amended) and 6.08.021 (new), Ordinance No. 6713 (adopted April 20, 2026) — read the official code
“The Rapid City Council voted six to four to approve an ordinance allowing people to keep hens in their backyards... up to six hens and six chicks up to 12 weeks old... Roosters, ducks, turkey and other fowl are not allowed” source
“The maximum number of hens allowed on any parcel or lot is six (6). An additional six (6) female brooding chicks up to the age of twelve (12) weeks may be kept for cyclical replacement of hens.” source
“applying for a domestic chicken license from the Finance Officer” source
“Any owner must provide hens with proper shelter including, at a minimum, a coop and chicken run which will be duly permitted in accordance with Title 17 of this Code.” source
Last verified July 19, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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