Billings, MT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Hen limit
- 6 per single-family lot
- Roosters
- not permitted, hens only
- Permit
- annual, from animal control
- Setback
- 10 feet from property line
- Coop height cap
- 12 feet at peak
Summary
Billings allows up to six chicken hens on single-family lots with an annual animal control permit, a predator-proof coop, and a 10-foot setback from property lines; roosters and multi-family properties are barred.
Up to six (6) chicken hens (female Gallus gallus domesticus) may be kept on a premise subject to the following requirements and subject to all other applicable provisions of this Code:(1)The chicken hens must be kept on a single-family parcel(s). Chicken hens are prohibited on any multi-dwelling parcel(s).(2)The owner must obtain an annual permit from the city animal control. The fee(s) for this permit will be determined by city council resolution and may be periodically adjusted.(3)The chicken hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof chicken house that is thoroughly ventilated, of sufficient size to admit free movement of the chicken hens, designed to be easily accessed, cleaned and maintained by the owners, be at least two (2) square feet per chicken hen in size and the coop and enclosure cannot be more than twelve (12) feet at its peak in height.(4)No chicken house, outdoor chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall at any time be located closer than ten (10) feet to any public right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under BMMC Sec. 4-303, single-family parcels may keep up to six female Gallus gallus domesticus (hens only) with an annual permit from Billings Animal Control. The coop must be covered, predator-proof, ventilated, at least 2 square feet per hen, no taller than 12 feet, and set back at least 10 feet from any right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line. Hens must be locked in the coop from sunset to sunrise, can't be kept in a front yard, and can't run at large or be slaughtered in public view. Multi-family parcels cannot keep hens at all.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted flocks, oversized flocks, roaming hens, or coop violations are municipal infractions with civil penalties under BMMC Sec. 18-1304.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep roosters in Billings?
Do backyard chickens need a permit?
Can renters or multi-family properties keep chickens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
How Billings compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana animal ordinances overview
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