Bozeman, MT Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 8.02.070 governs chickens, and this page covers chickens only. Lot area sets the flock size: the first 3,000 square feet of a residential parcel supports up to four chickens, and each additional 1,000 square feet adds one hen up to a maximum of 15. On a parcel with multiple households, the area used to count hens is exclusive to each permit and cannot overlap, which can restrict how many permits a parcel receives. Only one permit is issued per household.

The standards in subsection C require a covered, predator-proof, ventilated chicken house adjacent to a predator-proof enclosure, with chickens secured inside the enclosure from sunset to sunrise. Feed must be stored in a rodent- and predator-proof container, enclosures must be kept neat and sanitary, and chickens cannot run at large in the city or be slaughtered within public view. The chicken house must be at least 20 feet from a structure inhabited by anyone other than the keeper and at least five feet from any property line.

The application goes to the city treasurer's office. It needs a site sketch, the property owner's written consent if the applicant is not the owner, whether the flock will be one to six or seven to 15 birds, a description of the enclosure and house, a sworn statement, and a signed acknowledgement form from each adjacent residence, including across a public right-of-way. For seven or more chickens, an animal control officer inspects before the birds are kept, and if two or more adjacent residences request a hearing, the city commission holds one and can issue the permit only on findings about site adequacy, minimal adverse impact and conditions. A permit is specific to the holder and the location, and a new resident needs a new permit.

Under subsection F, the animal control officer investigates complaints and can serve a written notice of violation and corrective order, issue a warning, or issue a violation notice immediately. The officer revisits ten days or more after a notice. An aggrieved person can appeal an officer's order to the city manager, then to the city commission.