Animal Ordinances in Stearns County, MN (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Stearns County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Stearns County's zoning ordinance sets acreage-based limits on chickens and other livestock outside cities. In the T-20, R-20 and R-10 districts, a one-acre parcel may keep up to 18 hens; roosters are banned everywhere under this rule.
Stearns County Backyard Chicken & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance 439 (Land Use and Zoning), Sec. 6.8.6.C(1)
6.8.6 Animal Unit Density Requirements. C. The following animal density regulations shall apply in the T-20, R-20 and R-10 zoning districts... (1) Parcels with at least one (1) acre shall be allowed up to 18 head of chickens. (a) Chickens must be provided with a shelter and an open lot area. (b) Free range or pastured poultry are considered feedlot. (c) Roosters are prohibited.
Dog Leash Laws
Pets on Stearns County recreational trails must be attended and on a leash no longer than six feet under Ordinance 594, Section 7.1, and owners must clean up droppings; horses stay off the trail except where signed for horseback riding.
Stearns County Trail Leash Requirement
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance No. 594, Sec. 7.1-7.2
7.1 Pets will be permitted on County Recreational Trails. All pets shall be attended and effectively restrained by a leash not exceeding six feet. Such pets shall not be permitted to deprive or disrupt the enjoyment or use of any area by another person. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up any droppings left by their pet. 7.2 Horses are only allowed on trails and other areas signed and de...
Exotic Pets
Stearns County allows Regulated Animals, the dangerous wild species defined by Minnesota Statutes section 346.155, only as that state law permits, and requires every owner to register the animal with the Stearns County Sheriff.
Stearns County Regulated (Exotic) Animal Rules
Significant RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance 439 (Land Use and Zoning), Sec. 6.33.B
B. The keeping of Regulated Animals as defined in Minnesota Statutes 2006, 346.155 shall only be allowed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 346.155. Owners of Regulated Animals shall register with the Stearns County Sheriff.
Pet Limits
Stearns County caps dogs, domestic pets and companion animals over six months old at four per household in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, Rural Townsite and R-1 zoning districts.
Stearns County Household Pet Limit: Four Animals
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance 439 (Land Use and Zoning), Sec. 6.33.A
6.33 Keeping of Animals. A. Dogs, domestic pets and companion animals over six (6) months of age, will be limited to four (4) in the T-20, R-20, R-10, R-5, RT and R-1 districts.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Stearns County allows veterinary clinics as a permitted use in the Commercial (C) District under Ordinance 439, the county's Land Use and Zoning Ordinance. No conditional use permit or provisional use approval is required for a veterinary clinic sited in a Commercial District parcel, only compliance with the district's general performance standards.
Veterinary Clinics in Stearns County Zoning
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance 439 (Land Use and Zoning Ordinance) § 9.10.2(Z)
9.10.2 Permitted Uses The following uses are permitted subject to any applicable performance and general development standards contained in Sections 6 and 7 of this Ordinance: ... R. Offices, clinics ... Z. Veterinary clinics
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