Minneapolis, MN Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Under Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 70 (Animals and Fowl) and the Animal Care and Control rules, residents may keep up to 30 chicken hens after obtaining a small-animal permit from Animal Care and Control. Roosters, peacocks, guinea hens, and other loud fowl are prohibited. Permit applicants must notify all property owners within 100 feet and obtain written consent from at least 80 percent. Coops and runs must be at least 20 feet from any residential structure on neighboring property, be predator-proof, and be kept clean to avoid odor and pests. Slaughter of fowl is prohibited on residential property. Pigeons may be kept with a separate fancier permit. Beyond chickens and ducks, the keeping of cattle, horses, goats, swine, sheep, and similar farm livestock is prohibited in all residential districts; limited exceptions exist for agricultural-zoned parcels which are essentially nonexistent inside city limits. Pygmy and miniature goats are not automatically permitted despite smaller size. Rabbits as pets are permitted without special permit in reasonable numbers. Violations are enforced by MACC with administrative fines and potential animal removal.