Yes, keeping goats in North Dakota cities is generally legal but subject to municipal ordinances and state agricultural regulations. While state law permits livestock in urban areas, cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks impose strict limits on goat numbers, zoning, and housing standards. Recent 2026 amendments to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Urban Livestock Guidelines further clarify compliance requirements for urban farmers.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in North Dakota
- Zoning Restrictions: Municipalities cap goat ownership at 2–5 animals per residential lot, with larger herds requiring conditional-use permits. Fargo’s 2025 zoning update (Ordinance 2025-04) mandates a minimum 0.5-acre lot size for goats, excluding dwarf breeds.
- Housing and Welfare Standards: Goats must be housed in structures meeting North Dakota Livestock Board’s 2026 Urban Livestock Housing Standards, including predator-proof enclosures and waste management systems. Violations trigger citations under NDCC § 36-01-18.
- Permit and Inspection Requirements: Owners must register goats with the county extension office and schedule annual health inspections. Bismarck’s 2026 ordinance (No. 2026-12) requires microchipping for traceability and prohibits slaughtering on-site.