West Fargo Backyard Chicken Keeping
In April 2024, the West Fargo City Commission passed Ordinance No. 1221 to create and enact section 11-0112, relating to the keeping of chickens, of the revised ordinances of 1990 of the city of West Fargo. The ordinance includes certain regulations one should be aware of if planning to raise chickens:
- Up to 6 chickens may be kept.
- No roosters are permitted.
- Owners must provide a coop for the chickens that is well vented and offers a minimum of 4 square feet per chicken, and is not over 7 feet in height, along with a run or outdoor enclosure that does not exceed 10 square feet per chicken. Fencing around the coop and run should not exceed 6 feet in height. Additional specifics on coop and run requirements are in section 11-0112 of the ordinance.
- Chickens may not run at large and must be secured in a coop from sunset to sunrise each day.
- Coops and runs may not be located in the front yard and must be at least 3 feet from any adjacent structures and at least 10 feet from all property lines.
- An annual $25 permit is required and can be obtained through West Fargo Police Department.
City of West Fargo Ordinance
The list above is only a summary; please refer to the ordinance for complete regulations:
Permit Information
Application for Permit to Keep Chickens
Have Questions?
If you have questions about backyard chicken keeping in West Fargo, please contact the West Fargo Police Department at 701.515.5517.