| Are chickens allowed in Meridian? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | No official limits |
| Can you have roosters in Meridian? | Yes |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops 25 feet from neighboring homes and 3 feet from lot lines. |
| Application process: | No permit required |
| More information: | Meridian municipal code |
Meridian doesn’t place a lot of limits on those who want to keep a chicken flock in their backyards.
Here’s what you need to know about Meridian’s rules for backyard chicken keeping:
- Number of chickens allowed. In Meridian, Idaho, residents are allowed to keep an unlimited number of chickens in their backyard, given that the conditions are sanitary and reasonable.
- Roosters not prohibited. Roosters are not prohibited within city limits.
- Permit requirements. A permit is not required to keep backyard chickens.
- Coop and run requirements. Chicken coops must be well-ventilated, predator-proof, and easy to clean. Coops should have at least 3 square feet of space per chicken, and runs should provide at least 10 square feet of space per chicken.
- Coop location and setbacks. Coops must be located at least 25 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and at least 3 feet away from property lines.
- Sanitation and maintenance. Chicken coops and runs must be kept clean, sanitary, and free of offensive odors. Proper disposal of waste and regular cleaning is required.
- Slaughtering restrictions. Slaughtering of chickens is not allowed on residential properties within city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules. Residents should check with their HOA to ensure that backyard chickens are allowed under their specific community guidelines. HOA rules may supersede city regulations in some cases.
To obtain the latest and most reliable information about keeping backyard chickens in Meridian, it is recommended that you consult the appropriate local authorities.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Idaho chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24