Can I keep chickens in Watertown, SD?
No — Watertown does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Title 3 (Animals, Poultry, Etc.), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Coop rules | Lot requirements apply. Permission must be granted by the Animal Control Board. No roosters permitted. |
| Code section | Title 3 (Animals, Poultry, Etc.) |
Watertown allows up to 6 hens with Animal Control Board approval. Roosters are prohibited. Specific lot size requirements apply per Title 3 of the revised ordinances (updated January 2024).
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Watertown?
No — chickens are not allowed in Watertown (Title 3 (Animals, Poultry, Etc.)).
What law covers backyard chickens in Watertown?
Title 3 (Animals, Poultry, Etc.). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Title 3 (Animals, Poultry, Etc.) — read the official code
“No, the city currently prohibits the keeping of any poultry, including chickens, no changes have been made as of 2025.” source
“The keeping of domestic fowl...is expressly prohibited within the city limits” 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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