Chicken License

License for the Keeping of Chickens

Ordinance 25-003 identifies license requirements for those wishing to keep/own chickens in the City of Arden Hills. Residents can keep a maximum of six (6) chickens. The chicken license is good for two (2) years. 

All criteria listed on the Chicken License Application form must be satisfied. Applicants for a chicken license must also apply for a separate Zoning permit for chicken facilities. Chicken licenses must be renewed every two years (similar to dogs and cats). Below is information on keeping of chickens, the required zoning and licensing forms, and the City's zoning regulations regarding chickens.

• Keeping of Chickens Informational Handout (PDF)
• Chicken  License Application (PDF)
• Zoning Permit (PDF)

Neighbor Consent

Applicants are responsible for providing written notification of the intent to keep chickens to the neighbors immediately adjacent to the property. The city will not issue zoning permits for the construction of a coop or chicken licenses without proof that the neighbors have been notified.

Zoning Requirements for Keeping of Chickens

Required

A coop is required for the keeping of chickens and subject to zoning requirements. A zoning permit must be approved prior to the construction of a coop.

A pen located adjacent to the coop and fenced with adequate coverage to keep hens in and predators out is also required. A pen shall provide a minimum of 10 square feet of floor space per bird.

Optional

An exercise yard is optional. This area shall be located adjacent to the chicken coop and pen and chickens must be supervised by the license holder while in an exercise yard.

Allowance for Third Detached Accessory Building

A residential property with a detached garage and an accessory structure/shed will be allowed a third accessory structure specifically for keeping chickens. The combined square footage of all three detached structures may not exceed 728 square feet.

Chicken license holders shall be responsible for cleaning up the chicken keeping areas and disposing of waste in a sanitary manner. Hens, coop, pen, and optional exercise yard shall not be kept in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance to the occupants of adjacent property. Any violations of the above conditions, if not remedied within 10 days, may result in revocation of the license.