Backyard Chickens in Pocatello, Idaho

Can you keep chickens in Pocatello?

Thinking about raising hens in Pocatello? The Gate City allows backyard chickens, but the city treats hens and roosters as "small livestock" requiring a permit, neighbor sign-off, and a compliant coop setup before you get your first egg.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. In Pocatello, backyard chickens (and other domestic fowl) are legal, but the city treats hens, roosters, ducks, and similar birds as "small livestock" that requires a special permit before you may keep them. The Pocatello City Code states that persons wishing to keep small livestock must apply in writing to the Animal Services Director for a special permit, and the application must be accompanied by a fee set by annual city council resolution for each animal (§ 6.04.200).

As part of that application you must give notice to every owner/occupant within 100 feet of your property and obtain the written consent of at least 75% of those adult owners and occupants, unless the director waives that requirement. The permit is generally renewable each year.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: No Set Limit
Roosters: conditional
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $5
Setback from property line: 30 ft.

Peggy knows Pocatello

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Permit (§ 6.04.200): A written application to the Animal Services Director is required for any "small livestock," a category that by code definition covers hens, roosters, ducks, pigeons, and other fowl/poultry kept in the city.
Fee: An annual per-animal fee, historically around $5 per bird, is charged and the permit is renewable each year from inception.
Neighbor notice & consent: Applicants must give notice to owners/occupants within 100 feet of the property and obtain written consent from at least 75% of those adult owners/occupants, unless the director waives this step.
No flat hen cap: The code does not publish a numerical hen limit — the Animal Services Director approves the number of birds on a case-by-case basis after reviewing the application and site.
Roosters: Roosters are not expressly forbidden by the ordinance, but because they fall under the same small-livestock permit and neighbor-consent process, approval for roosters in residential zones is rare and requires written permission from the director.
Enclosure/setback: Any small-livestock holding structure or coop must be located at least 30 feet from the residence on any neighboring property, and it must otherwise comply with the Planning & Zoning Department's setback and size rules.
Sanitary/behavior standards: Birds may not be allowed to run at large, disturb neighboring property users, bite, or create a nuisance by noise, odor, or unsanitary conditions.
Violations: Owners whose birds are found running at large are subject to a violation fee, and repeated violations (more than 2) can lead to a nuisance citation and permit revocation.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Pocatello

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6a (portions 5b/6b)

Pocatello sits at high elevation in southeastern Idaho and experiences cold, snowy winters with lows that can drop well below freezing, along with hot, dry summers typical of the Snake River Plain region. Coop insulation, wind-blocking, and freeze-proof waterers are important for keeping a flock comfortable through the winter months.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSkunkWeasel

Backyard flocks in the Pocatello area should be secured against raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, weasels, and birds of prey such as hawks, all of which are common in and around southeastern Idaho neighborhoods and the surrounding high-desert and foothill terrain. A fully enclosed, hardware-cloth-covered run and a predator-proof coop door are strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Australorp, Chantecler (cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds well suited to Pocatello's winters)

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Pocatello

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Pocatello?

Yes. Chickens are classified as "small livestock" under Pocatello's animal code, so you must apply in writing to the Animal Services Director for a special permit before keeping them (§ 6.04.200).

▸Is there a limit on how many hens I can keep?

The city code does not set a flat numerical cap. The Animal Services Director reviews each application and approves an appropriate number of birds on a case-by-case basis.

▸Are roosters allowed in Pocatello?

Roosters aren't expressly banned by the ordinance, but since they go through the same small-livestock permit and 75% neighbor-consent process as hens, approval in residential areas is uncommon and requires written permission from the Animal Services Director.

▸Do my neighbors have to approve my chicken permit?

Generally yes. You must notify owners/occupants within 100 feet of your property and obtain written consent from at least 75% of those adults, unless the Animal Services Director waives this requirement.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

Small-livestock holding structures, including chicken coops, must be at least 30 feet from the residence on any neighboring property, in addition to any applicable Planning & Zoning setback and size rules.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Pocatello or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 25, 2026.