Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Boise

Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum lot size
1 acre for livestock
Poultry/rabbit minimum
1/2 acre lot
Max density
2 animal units per acre
Roosters
prohibited without overlay approval
Pet structure setback
10 ft from neighbor's home

Summary

Boise requires at least one acre to keep horses, cows, or other livestock at a home, with tighter rules for poultry and rabbits.

I. Livestock and Animals, Accessory: (1) Accessory Livestock Uses: The keeping of livestock shall comply with the following standards. ... (3)(a) A minimum of one acre is required to keep livestock. For poultry and rabbits, the minimum area is one half acre. ... (b) The keeping of any Rooster is prohibited unless allowed per the provisions of an established overlay zone or other approval by the city.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Boise's development code, keeping livestock as an accessory use takes a minimum one-acre lot, with a half-acre set aside just for the animals. Poultry and rabbits need only a half-acre lot with a quarter-acre enclosure. Density caps out at two animal units per acre of set-aside area: one horse, mule, cow, or llama counts as a full unit, four sheep/goats/swine equal a unit, and 12 chickens or ducks equal a unit. Roosters are banned outright unless an overlay zone allows them, and animals must stay in fences, corrals, barns, or pens that meet setback rules.

Violations & Fines

Odor, noise, drainage, erosion, or insect impacts on neighbors can get the keeping declared a public nuisance the city may abate. Enclosures too close to a neighbor's habitable structure (under 10 feet) also violate the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in Boise without an acre of land?
Yes: poultry and rabbits only need a half-acre lot with a quarter-acre area set aside, unlike larger livestock.
Are roosters legal in Boise backyards?
No, roosters are prohibited under the accessory livestock standards unless a specific overlay zone or city approval allows them.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boise

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSignificant RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight Restrictions

All Boise rules

How Boise compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Chickens & Livestock in Boise, ID changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.