Can I keep chickens in Aberdeen, SD?
Yes — Aberdeen allows backyard chickens, up to 12 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (§§ 8-11 through 8-14, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Chickens must not constitute a nuisance to adjacent property occupants. Maximum hens scale with lot size per §§ 8-11 through 8-14. |
| Code section | §§ 8-11 through 8-14 |
Aberdeen allows backyard chickens in residential areas with a tiered limit by lot size: up to 8 hens on lots under 22,500 sq ft and up to 12 hens on lots of 22,500 sq ft or more. Roosters are not permitted and chickens must not become a nuisance to neighbors.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Aberdeen?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Aberdeen (§§ 8-11 through 8-14).
How many chickens can I keep in Aberdeen?
Up to 12 hens. Tiered by lot size: 8 up to 22,499 sq ft; 12 up to 999,999,999 sq ft.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Aberdeen?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Aberdeen.
Are roosters allowed in Aberdeen?
No — roosters are prohibited in Aberdeen.
What law covers backyard chickens in Aberdeen?
§§ 8-11 through 8-14. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§§ 8-11 through 8-14 — read the official code
“Chickens can be kept as long as they do not constitute a nuisance to adjacent property occupants, with regulations detailed in City Municipal Code sections 8-11 through 8-14” source
“up to 8 hens on lots less than half an acre, and up to 12 hens on lots of 22,500 square feet or more” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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