Backyard Livestock Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a statewide preemption law that standardizes livestock ordinances across all municipalities — rules are set at the city and county level. This guide covers the major cities and counties in Minnesota where backyard livestock questions are most commonly searched.
Minnesota is on the more restrictive end of the urban chicken spectrum — Minneapolis's 3-hen limit and annual license requirement are stricter than peer cities. The state has significant beekeeping traditions, and bee ordinances tend to be more permissive relative to chicken rules in many Minnesota communities.
Major Minnesota Cities — Chicken & Livestock Rules Summary
| City / County | Current Rules (verify locally) |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | Up to 3 hens, no roosters, annual license required ($20), 5 ft from property line |
| St. Paul | Up to 3 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Rochester | Up to 4 hens, permit required |
| Duluth | Up to 6 hens, no roosters, permit required |
| Bloomington | Up to 4 hens, permit required |
| Brooklyn Park | Up to 4 hens, permit required, 10 ft setback |
Data current as of late 2024. Ordinances change — always verify with your local planning department.
State-Level Registration Requirements
Beekeeping: Minnesota requires registration of all managed honey bee hives with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Contact your state's apiary division for current registration fees and requirements.
Livestock generally: Minnesota does not require state-level registration for small-scale backyard livestock (chickens, goats, rabbits) below commercial thresholds. However, certain disease reporting requirements may apply if your flock shows signs of reportable diseases — contact your state Department of Agriculture's animal health division for details.
Finding Unincorporated County Rules in Minnesota
If your property is in an unincorporated area (not within city limits), county zoning rules apply rather than municipal ordinances. County rules are generally more permissive than city ordinances. To confirm whether you're incorporated or unincorporated, check your county assessor's parcel records — the "jurisdiction" or "municipality" field will show if you're in a city or in unincorporated county territory.