| Are chickens allowed in Rapid City? | Yes (on lots of 3 acres or more) |
| How many chickens can you have? | No limit specified (check with city) |
| Can you have roosters in Rapid City? | Not expressly prohibited |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | 150 feet from any residential building |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Rapid City Municipal Code |
Equip yourself with knowledge about the legal aspects of raising chickens in Rapid City, paving the way for a successful poultry venture.
- Allowance: Rapid City allows residents to keep chickens in their backyards on lots of more than 3 acres or lots zoned for agricultural use.
- License Requirement: Apply for a domestic chicken license from the Finance Officer.
- Zoning Restriction: Keep the chickens on property zoned for and actually used as a single-family dwelling.
- Limit on Chicken Numbers: Keep no more than six chickens on any licensed premises.
- Roosters Allowed: Roosters are apparently allowed in Rapid City on approved lots.
- Enclosure Requirements: Always keep the chickens in a roofed structure or any attached fenced yard enclosure.
- Enclosure Specifications: Keep the roofed structure fully enclosed, windproof, and have one square foot of window to 15 square feet of floor space.
- Distance Restriction: Keep the chickens at least 150 feet from any building or structure occupied by, or intended to be occupied by, human beings as a residence within the city.
- Sanitary Conditions: Keep the chickens sanitary and free of pests.
- Conditional Slaughter: The slaughter of animals, including poultry killing, is only allowed conditionally.
Keep abreast of Rapid’s evolving rules for backyard chickens; consult officials for current details.
Start Raising Chickens
See other South Dakota chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/24/24