Raising Chickens In Mendota Heights: What You Need To Know

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — In 2017, the Mendota Heights city council voted to allow residents to raise chickens in their yards. Last month, the city amended the law to allow for more chickens to be raised.

Up to six female chickens may be kept on a residential premise as domestic animals. Previously, only four chickens were allowed.

The following lines were also added to the law:

• "Waste or litter is allowed to be composted on the property, provided the composting is done in a sturdy, weather resistant compost bin or dedicated enclosure. Should the composting be done in an unhealthy or ineffective manner, whereby creating a public nuisance or complaint from a neighboring resident, the permit holder shall immediately cease all waste composting on the property and remove such waste composting bin(s) if so ordered by the Zoning Administrator or Animal Warden."
• "Should an applicant have their permit revoked as per Subpart (12) above; or chooses not to renew their domestic chicken permit; or if the chicken coop ceases to operate for a period of six (6) months or more, the applicant or owner of the property must remove the coop structure and all appurtenances within thirty (30) days from written notice by city."

The Mendota Heights Animal Warden still has the authority to enter private premises where chickens are kept if there is reason to believe that the chickens are being mistreated or pose a threat to the health and safety of people or other animals.

Roosters are still prohibited, and the slaughtering of chickens on any property zoned for residential use is also banned.

Apply for a domestic chicken permit in Mendota Heights here.