Rapid City, SD – Rapid City residents may soon be allowed to keep backyard chickens under a new proposed ordinance led by the group Rapid City Citizens for Urban Hens. Organizers began collecting signatures this week to place the measure on the June ballot.
The community effort aims to expand access beyond current municipal rules, which restrict chickens to properties of at least three acres or land zoned for agriculture. If approved, the ordinance would allow up to six female chickens per household while strictly prohibiting roosters.
David Holland, chair of the committee, stated there are many benefits to backyard hens, including fresh eggs, reduced food waste, natural pest control, and educational opportunities for children. The proposal is modeled after similar policies in other cities, including Sioux Falls, Spearfish, and Sturgis.
According to the text of the municipal initiative petition, the ordinance would amend section 6.08.020 of the Rapid City Municipal Code. Key provisions of the proposal include:
- Chickens must be kept at least 25 feet from any building occupied by humans, other than the owner’s residence.
- All chickens must be contained within the owner’s property and secured in an enclosure from sunset to sunrise.
- Coops must provide at least two square feet per chicken with an outdoor run of at least 10 square feet per chicken.
- Coops and runs are prohibited in front yards or designated drainage easements.
- Multi-family units require the signed consent of all residents and property owners.
The proposed rules would not override existing homeowners’ association regulations. The ordinance was developed with input from the Black Hills Humane Society and the Rapid City Attorney’s Office.
Residents interested in learning more are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, January 8, at 6 p.m. at the Rapid City Public Library. Petitions are currently available for signing at Aqua & Acre Market and The Black Sheep Parlour.
