Chicken Permitting
Thinking about raising chickens in your backyard? Byron residents can apply for a permit to keep up to five hens for fresh eggs and sustainable living. Here's what you need to know to get started!
Permit Overview
- Maximum Chickens Allowed: 5 hens per residential property
- Roosters: Not allowed
- Permit Validity: 3 years
- Permit Fee: Set by City Council (contact City Hall for current rates)
- Slaughtering: Not permitted within city limits
- Leg Bands: Required and issued by the City
- Located in rear or side yard
- Minimum 3 sq. ft. per bird
- Must be rodent-proof, ventilated, and easy to clean
- Nest boxes and roosts required
- Minimum 9 sq. ft. per bird
- Secure fencing and gate
- Clean substrate to control odor and pests
How to Apply
- Download the Chicken Permit Application
- Prepare a Site Plan showing:
- Coop and run location
- Setbacks from property lines and buildings
- Fencing details
- Submit your application to City Hall
- Pay the applicable permit fee (see the City's fee schedule for current rates)
Important Rules
- Chickens must not be housed in garages or homes (except for brooding)
- Feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers
- Dead chickens must be disposed of per MN Board of Animal Health guidelines
- Chickens must not create a nuisance for neighbors