Can I keep chickens in Mitchell, SD?
No — Mitchell does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (§ 6-1-4 Prohibited Acts and Conditions, Chapter 6-1 Animal Control, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | No domestic fowl may be kept enclosed or housed within 100 feet of any occupied dwelling or building, or within any residential area of the city. |
| Code section | § 6-1-4 Prohibited Acts and Conditions, Chapter 6-1 Animal Control |
Mitchell prohibits keeping domestic fowl anywhere within a residential area of the city and also bars them within 100 feet of any occupied dwelling. The city council explicitly debated and rejected a proposed backyard chicken ordinance in 2015. No permit pathway exists for residential chicken-keeping.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Mitchell?
No — chickens are not allowed in Mitchell (§ 6-1-4 Prohibited Acts and Conditions, Chapter 6-1 Animal Control).
What law covers backyard chickens in Mitchell?
§ 6-1-4 Prohibited Acts and Conditions, Chapter 6-1 Animal Control. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
§ 6-1-4 Prohibited Acts and Conditions, Chapter 6-1 Animal Control — read the official code
“No person shall allow any ducks, geese, chickens or other domestic fowl to run at large, nor shall any person keep enclosed or housed any domestic fowl within the distance of one hundred feet (100) of any occupied dwelling or building, or within any residential area of the city.” 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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