Backyard chickens in St. Paul, Minnesota
Everything you need to know before you start a backyard flock in St. Paul – the rules, the climate and the neighbors with teeth.
Can you keep chickens in St. Paul?
Thinking about keeping a backyard flock in the Capital City? Saint Paul welcomes hen-keepers through a tiered permit system, but every flock owner needs to know the rules before bringing chicks home — from neighbor notifications to coop construction standards and Minnesota's notoriously tough winters.
Yes – with conditions
Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Saint Paul, but only hens — roosters are not permitted. The City requires a Backyard Chicken Keeping Permit (Saint Paul Legislative Code §198) before any household may keep chickens.
There are two permit tiers: Tier One covers 1–6 hens, and Tier Two covers 7–15 hens. Saint Paul residents may not own roosters or 16 or more chickens at any time.
The rules at a glance
- Hens in city limits
- Allowed
- How many hens
- 15
- Roosters
- No
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit cost
- $26
- Setback from property line
- Not specified
Peggy knows St. Paul
The rules, straight from the municipal code.
Tier One (1–6 hens): Initial permit fee $26, annual renewal $16. Requires a completed application, site plan, and payment. Applicants must notify all adjacent neighbors in writing of the intent to keep 1–6 hens, and the property is inspected annually by Animal Control Officers.
Tier Two (7–15 hens): Initial permit fee $76, annual renewal $28. Requires an application, site plan, payment, and a neighbor petition — specifically, written approval from 75% of neighbors within 150 feet of the property (excluding across-the-street properties), or proof the property lines are 150+ feet from any structure.
If a coop exceeds 200 square feet or uses electricity, a building and/or electrical permit is also required. Fowl (including adult chickens) may not be housed inside human dwellings, including basements. Housing facilities must be kept clean, sanitary, and free of accumulated fecal matter, which must be removed at least twice weekly between April 1 and November 30. Secondary sources report the coop must have a minimum floor size of 32 square feet with sidewalls at least 5 feet high built of 11-gauge or heavier wire, plus a full cover over the pen — verify current specs directly with Saint Paul Animal Control (651-266-1100).
Keeping a flock happy in St. Paul
🌡️ Climate
USDA Hardiness Zone 4b/5a — Humid Continental
Saint Paul has cold, snowy winters (regularly below 0°F) and warm, humid summers. Coops need solid insulation, draft-free but ventilated design, and a heated waterer to prevent freezing during the long winter season.
🦝 Who's after your hens
Urban and suburban Saint Paul flocks most commonly face raccoons and birds of prey (hawks/owls) as nighttime and daytime threats, with foxes, coyotes, and opossums also present near parks, river corridors, and wooded neighborhoods. Fully covered, predator-proof runs (as required by city coop rules) are essential.
🐔 Breeds that do well here
Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock), Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, Brahma, Chantecler
Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.
Questions people ask about St. Paul
▸How many hens can I keep in Saint Paul?
Up to 15 hens total. A Tier One permit covers 1–6 hens, and a Tier Two permit covers 7–15 hens. Residents may not own 16 or more chickens at any time.
▸Are roosters allowed in Saint Paul?
No. Saint Paul only allows hens — roosters are prohibited citywide.
▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Saint Paul?
Yes. A Backyard Chicken Keeping Permit is required under Saint Paul Legislative Code §198, with an application, site plan, and payment submitted to the Department of Safety and Inspections' Animal Control Division.
▸Do I need to notify my neighbors before getting chickens?
Yes. Tier One applicants (1–6 hens) must notify all adjacent neighbors in writing. Tier Two applicants (7–15 hens) must obtain a petition signed by 75% of neighbors within 150 feet of the property.
▸How much does a chicken permit cost in Saint Paul?
A Tier One permit costs $26 initially with a $16 annual renewal. A Tier Two permit costs $76 initially with a $28 annual renewal.
City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with St. Paul or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 31, 2026.
Ready to start your own flock?
Everything arrives at your door – the coop, two Rhode Island Red hens, and all the gear in between.
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