Belgrade Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Belgrade?	Yes (on lots of at least 7,000 square feet)
How many chickens can you have?	6
Can you have roosters in Belgrade?	No
Chicken coop placement rules:	No official placement rules (permitting requirement)
Application process:	Permit required
More information:	Belgrade City Code

If you’re interested in starting a chicken coop in Belgrade, it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that apply.

• Number of Chickens: You are allowed to keep up to six (6) female domestic chickens (hens) over the age of three (3) months.
  • Alternatively, you can keep up to six (6) domestic chickens of either sex under the age of three (3) months.
• No male chickens (roosters) over the age of three months are permitted
• Property Requirements: Your property must have a minimum area of 7,000 square feet to keep chickens.
• Permit Requirement: Before keeping chickens, you must obtain a permit from the City of Belgrade.
• Chicken House and Enclosure:
  • You are required to provide your chickens with a covered, predator-proof chicken house.
  • The chicken house must be thoroughly ventilated and of sufficient size to allow for the free movement of the chickens.
  • The chicken house must be adjacent to and provide free access to the chicken enclosure.
  • Chicken enclosures may be movable.
• Securing Chickens: Chickens must be secured within the chicken house from sunset to sunrise.
• Cleanliness and Sanitation: Chicken enclosures and houses must be kept in neat and sanitary condition at all times. Regular cleaning is required to prevent offensive odors.
• Food and Water Access: Chickens must have continuous access to adequate food and water.
• Feed Storage: Stored feed must be kept in a rodent-proof and predator-proof container.

As cities evolve, the rules about backyard chickens may also change. That’s why it’s important to contact Belgrade officials for the most recent information.

See other Montana chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/25/24