Fairbanks (and the wider Fairbanks North Star Borough) regulates urban livestock under FNSB Code 18.96.250. Allowed urban livestock includes rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, miniature goats, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and honey bees — but they must be incidental to a residential use. Lots between 2,000 and 9,999 sq ft are limited to a maximum of 8 birds (chickens or ducks). Roosters are prohibited in many neighborhoods.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Code 18.96.250 governs urban livestock standards. Permitted species are rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, miniature goats, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and honey bees. Urban livestock (except honey bees) must be kept in conjunction with and clearly incidental to a residential use on the same site. Ducks and chickens are permitted on lots 2,000 square feet or larger, with a maximum of 8 birds on lots between 2,000 and 9,999 sq ft. Enclosures and structures must meet the larger of the zoning-district setback or 20 feet from any property line. Waste must be managed so that odor is not perceptible at the lot line, and on-site slaughter cannot occur in public view. Roosters are prohibited in many Fairbanks residential neighborhoods because of noise.
Keeping urban livestock without meeting the 2,000 sq ft lot minimum, exceeding the 8-bird cap on small lots, or building enclosures within 20 feet of a property line is a code violation. Borough Code Enforcement issues citations and animal-removal orders.
See how Fairbanks's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.