Coeur d'Alene, ID Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 6.15.010 makes it unlawful to own, harbor or possess domestic livestock or fowl within the limits of Coeur d'Alene except under a short list of exceptions. Any person can possess chickens, excluding roosters, up to twelve (12) in number. Other domestic fowl are capped at four (4) in number, and turkeys, geese, peafowl, pigeons, quail, pheasants and guineafowl are excluded from that allowance; ducks are not on the excluded list. Domestic fowl under twelve (12) weeks from hatch are not counted toward the limits.

Section 6.05.030 defines domestic livestock as cattle, domesticated elk, bison, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, rabbits, horses, mules, or other equines. A person living on property zoned R-1 can possess up to two (2) domestic livestock, and up to twenty-four (24) chickens and up to twelve (12) other domestic fowl per full acre. Offspring of permitted livestock can be kept until weaned.

Keeping animals does not excuse nuisance. Owners must comply with the ordinances on waste and carcass removal, animals disturbing the neighborhood, foul odors, noise and the zoning performance standards. Outside slaughtering of livestock and fowl is prohibited. Livestock cannot trespass on another person's property or a public place, with exceptions for horses on approved equestrian trails, in parades approved through the parade permitting process, and pulling passenger wagons approved by council resolution.

Housing is regulated by section 6.15.120(D). Domestic fowl must live in a run, coop, hutch or similar enclosure at least twenty-five feet (25') from any residential dwelling other than the owner's, and the enclosure must meet the minimum setback for dwelling units in its zoning district. It goes at the side or behind the dwelling, never in the front yard, and cannot be attached to a fence shared with a neighboring property.

Goats have their own path. The city can temporarily house goats on public property for weed control in a secure enclosure. A homeowner's association applies to the City Clerk with a fee set by council resolution and proof of liability insurance of at least $500,000.00, and the Police Department Animal Control Supervisor approves or denies the permit. Goats can work a penned area of one half (1/2) acre or less for no more than twenty-one (21) consecutive calendar days.