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

The City of Meridian's animal control chapter (Title 6, Chapter 2), as amended in 2022 by Ordinance 22-2002, defines 'livestock' as domesticated animals traditionally kept for use or profit and housed outdoors or in outdoor enclosures such as pens, barns, pastures, corrals, coops, sties, stables, or paddocks. The definition lists horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, llamas, alpacas, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and domesticated birds, but the adopted amendment specifically states the definition does not include chicken hens and roosters. Because chicken hens and roosters are carved out of the livestock definition, they are treated differently from larger livestock under the animal chapter. Where animals may be kept, and in what numbers, is also governed by the city's zoning and Unified Development Code, by nuisance provisions, and by private homeowners-association covenants, which can be more restrictive than city code. Owners must keep animals from becoming a nuisance, and cruelty to animals (including failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care) is prohibited. Because publicly available secondary summaries disagree on exact hen counts, coop setbacks, and whether roosters are separately banned, residents should confirm current numeric limits and setback distances directly with Meridian Community Development / Planning and review their HOA rules before building a coop or acquiring livestock.