Apply for a chicken permit
Residential properties are able to keep a chicken flock in the City of South Bend with a valid permit. Flocks are limited to 6 or fewer female chickens; no roosters are allowed. Chicken coop and chicken pen requirements must be met to obtain a permit.
What the permit requires
- A single-family dwelling. Chickens are not allowed at multi-family dwellings.
- 6 or fewer female chickens per dwelling. No roosters are allowed within city limits.
- A coop and pen that meet the standards below, with photos of both.
- No conviction for cruelty to animals — applications include a background check.
What it costs
- Permit fee (renewed annually)
- $20
Coop and pen standards
Build to these before you apply — the application asks you to confirm each item and to measure the square footage and setbacks.
Coop
- Solid sides, roof, and doors
- Doors shut securely and lock
- Vents provided and covered with wire
- Impermeable to rodents and predators
- At least 18 inches high
- At least 1 sq ft per chicken
Pen
- Impermeable to predators
- At least 2 sq ft per chicken
- Fence height 6 feet or less
- Covered with wire, aviary net, or a solid roof
Location
- Behind the residential structure
- 15 ft or more from any property line
- 20 ft or more from any residential dwelling
The rules in full
For more detailed information please see sections 5-20 “Urban Chicken Regulations” & 21-02.11(a) “Additional Standards for Chickens, Chicken Coops, and Chicken Pens” in the Municipal Code.
How to apply
Build and check zoning.
Build your coop and pen to the standards above, and check your zoning type — the application asks for it.
Take your photos.
Take photos of the coop (left, right, back, front, roof, door and lock, vent, and its location in the pen) and the pen (left, right, back, front, roof, and its location on the property).
Fill out the application.
Fill out the online application — your information, each chicken's breed, age, and color, the coop and pen measurements, your photos, and a signature. The whole application is virtual, so there's nothing to bring to SBARC.
Pay your permit fee.
Fees may be paid in person with cash, check, or credit card; by mail with check or money order; or by calling SBARC at 574-235-9303. Renew your permit each year — the same form handles renewals, with or without changes to your flock.