The Rapid City Council voted 7-2 on Monday, April 6, to approve the first reading of an ordinance legalizing backyard chickens, with Ward 4 council members John Roberts and Lance Lehmann voting against it. A second reading is still required before the ordinance can take effect. Council President Rod Pettigrew was absent.
The ordinance would allow up to six hens on residential properties but would continue to prohibit roosters. Backyard chickens are currently banned under city code except on agriculturally zoned land.
Supporters, led by Councilman Stephen Tamang (Ward 1), said stronger regulations and enforcement helped gain approval after similar proposals failed over the past decade. The ordinance requires chickens to be kept in enclosed coops and attached runs, with minimum space standards, proper ventilation, and safeguards against predators.
The measure also outlines enforcement and penalties, declaring noncompliant chicken keeping a public nuisance. Violations include owning roosters, failing to provide food or water, or keeping hens for commercial purposes.
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