Backyard Chicken Rules in Boise, Idaho

Boise Quick Summary

Maximum hens: 5 · Roosters: Not permitted · Permit required: Yes ($25 one-time) · Setback: 20 ft from property line, rear yard only · City code: Boise City Code § 5-12-01

What Boise's Ordinance Actually Says

Boise's backyard chicken ordinance is codified in Boise City Code Title 5 (Public Peace, Safety & Morals), Chapter 12. The key provisions, in plain language:

Up to 5 hens are permitted on a single-family residential property
Roosters are prohibited in residential zones
The coop must be in the rear yard only — not in the front yard or street-facing side yards
The coop must be at least 20 feet from any property line
A $25 one-time permit is required from Boise Code Enforcement before acquiring hens
The coop must be fully enclosed (walls and roof) and predator-proof
Feed must be stored in sealed, rodent-proof containers

The Boise Permit Application Process

Boise's chicken permit is administered by Code Enforcement, not Planning & Zoning — which makes it simpler than many cities. Here's the exact process:

Obtain the application from Boise City Hall (150 N. Capitol Blvd) or download it from the City of Boise's website under Code Enforcement forms.
Complete the application — requires your property address, zoning district, a simple sketch of your property showing the proposed coop location with measurements from property lines, and the number and type of birds.
Submit with $25 fee — the fee is non-refundable. Applications can be submitted in person at City Hall or by mail.
Processing time: Typically 5–10 business days. Code Enforcement does not conduct a pre-installation inspection in most cases — they verify from your submitted sketch.
Permit issued: Keep a copy on file. Permits are one-time; no annual renewal required unless you make changes to your setup.

One Detail Not in the Current Top Google Results

Boise's permit requires that you specify the number of birds on the application — and if you want to add birds later (up to the 5-hen maximum), you'll need to notify Code Enforcement but do not need a new permit, just an amendment on file. This is undocumented on most websites covering Boise's ordinance.

The 20-Foot Setback: What It Means on a Typical Boise Lot

Most older Boise residential lots are 50–75 feet wide and 100–130 feet deep. On a 60×120 foot lot, a 20-foot rear setback from the back property line and 20 feet from each side property line leaves a roughly 20×40 foot zone in the rear yard where the coop can legally be placed. That's generous — plenty of room for a standard 4×8 foot coop with an attached run.

The 20-foot setback is measured from the outer edge of the enclosure (including any attached run) to the nearest property line. If your coop is 8 feet wide with a 12-foot run attached, the run's far edge must be at least 20 feet from the line — meaning the coop itself would need to be 32+ feet from the line.

What Boise Does NOT Require (That Other Cities Do)

No annual permit renewal
No neighbor notification or sign-off
No minimum lot size to qualify
No pre-installation inspection
No restriction on coop materials or aesthetics

Enforcement in Boise

Boise's chicken ordinance is enforced reactively through Code Enforcement complaint response. The department's number is (208) 384-3760. Common enforcement triggers: rooster noise, coop odor from insufficient cleaning, and visible feed attracting rodents or wildlife.

Boise Code Enforcement has historically been described as reasonable in working with permit-holders to come into compliance rather than immediately issuing fines — but operating without a permit is a different situation, with fines starting at $100 per day after a Notice of Violation.

Frequently Asked Questions — Boise Chickens

You need your landlord's written permission in addition to the city permit. The city permit is issued to the property — but if your lease prohibits animals or livestock, the HOA/landlord rule controls your actual ability to keep them. Get written landlord approval before applying for the city permit.

Boise requires a "fully enclosed, weatherproof, and predator-proof structure." This means four walls, a solid roof, and secure hardware cloth or welded wire (not chicken wire, which predators can breach) for any ventilation or run panels. The code doesn't specify materials or aesthetics — a converted garden shed or a purpose-built coop both comply as long as they meet the functional requirements.

No, for coops under 120 square feet — which covers virtually all residential backyard coops. The city's building permit exemption for accessory structures under 120 sq ft applies. If you're converting an existing shed, no building permit is needed for the conversion. Only if you're constructing a new permanent structure over 120 sq ft would a building permit potentially be required, and that's far beyond what 5 hens need.

Many newer Boise subdivisions — particularly those built after 2000 in the Treasure Valley's suburban expansion areas — have HOA CC&Rs that prohibit livestock or poultry. The Harris Ranch, Barber Valley, and Southeast Boise master-planned communities often have these restrictions. Older Boise neighborhoods (the North End, East End, Bench neighborhoods) are less likely to have HOA restrictions. Check your specific CC&Rs before purchasing or applying for a permit.

Recommended Resource

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens

Once you know your ordinance is clear, this is the most comprehensive beginner-to-experienced guide to actually keeping a healthy, productive flock. Covers breeds, coop design, feeding, health, and egg production.

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Disclaimer: This page provides general informational guidance only. Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules directly with your local planning or zoning department before acquiring animals.