Animal Ordinances in Grand Forks, ND (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Grand Forks, North Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
The City of Grand Forks bans backyard livestock outright and permits backyard fowl only under a health-department permit. City Code Section 11-0216 forbids keeping swine, cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats and other hard-hoofed animals within the city, and Section 11-0217 lets a resident keep up to twelve permitted fowl, no more than six of them chickens, only with a permit and neighbor consent.
Grand Forks Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Significant RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code §§ 11-0216, 11-0217
No swine, cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, or other hard-hoofed animals or chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, doves, pigeons, or other fowl shall be kept by any person within the city, except: ... Permitted fowl under Grand Forks City Code section 11-0217. ... A permitted fowl shall mean chickens, ducks, doves, pigeons or quail that are authorized and permitted pursuant to this sect...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Grand Forks, City Code Section 11-0121 requires every dog to be kept under restraint by leash, cord, chain, an electronic or invisible fence, or an enclosure whenever it is off the owner's premises. No person in control of a dog may let it onto a street, sidewalk, park, bike path, greenway or another person's land unless it is effectively restrained.
Grand Forks Dog Leash and Restraint Rule
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 11-0121
All dogs shall be kept under restraint either by leash, cord, chain, electronic/invisible fence, or by being kept in an enclosure; provided, however, that all dogs owned or used by local, state or federal governmental bodies, while in active duty or during training, and under the supervision of a peace officer, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. ... No person having the custod...
Beekeeping
Grand Forks allows backyard beekeeping only with a permit from the Public Health Department. City Code Section 11-0220 caps every property at two hives, none larger than twenty cubic feet, and sets minimum setbacks from property lines, sidewalks and neighboring buildings. Hives near doors or windows need a six-foot flyaway barrier so bees fly up and away from the neighbor's house.
Grand Forks Beekeeping Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 11-0220
(2)General provisions. An individual may keep, maintain, or allow to be kept, any hive or other facility for housing bees within the limits of the city in accordance with this section, subject to the following requirements, limitations, and conditions:(A)The individual has applied for and obtained a beekeeping permit from the director of the public health department, or the director's designee....
Wildlife Feeding
The City of Grand Forks bans feeding deer inside city limits. City Code Section 11-0219 makes it unlawful for anyone to feed or allow the feeding of any deer within the city, defining feeding as putting out at least a half cubic foot of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay or other edible material in a way that regularly attracts deer.
Grand Forks Ban on Feeding Deer
Heavy RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 11-0219
No person shall feed or allow the feeding of any deer within the city limits of the City of Grand Forks. For purposes of this section, feeding shall mean the provision of one-half (½) cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other edible material, either on the ground or at a height of not less than five (5) feet above the ground, in a manner that attracts deer on a regular...
Pet Limits
The City of Grand Forks caps the number of cats and dogs a household can keep. City Code Section 11-0123 makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any combination of more than six cats and dogs over six months of age, with no more than three of the six allowed to be dogs, except as otherwise permitted by federal law.
Grand Forks Household Pet Limit
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 11-0123
Except as otherwise permitted by federal law, it shall be unlawful to keep or harbor any combination of more than six (6) cats and dogs, more than six months (6) of age, no more than three (3) of which can be dogs.
Cat Rules
In the City of Grand Forks, every dog and cat over six months old must carry a city license, and any dog or cat running loose in the streets, parks, public places or on another person's property is a public nuisance under City Code Section 11-0112. The Grand Forks Police Department and finance department run licensing and impoundment, and an animal picked up at large sits in the pound up to four days before the owner can redeem it.
Grand Forks Cat and Dog Licensing Rules
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code §§ 11-0102, 11-0112
No person, firm, association or corporation shall own, keep, or harbor a dog or cat which is over six (6) months of age without first having obtained a license therefor as hereinafter provided; provided, however, the City of Grand Forks shall not be required to obtain a license for any dogs owned by the city and used for law enforcement purposes. ... Any dog or cat running or being at large in ...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Grand Forks, a small animal clinic is a permitted use in the B-1 limited business district under City Code section 18-0214, but the definition in section 18-0204 excludes farm-animal veterinary services, kennels and boarding facilities from that permitted-use category.
Grand Forks Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rule
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code §§ 18-0204, 18-0214(2)(R)
Small animal clinic. A facility which is used to provide veterinarian services for small animals and household pets. This shall not include the provision of veterinarian services for domestic animals of types customarily raised, used or kept on farms for profit, food or other purposes, nor shall it include kennels or boarding facilities. ... (R)Small animal clinic.