Backyard chickens are becoming increasingly popular, especially as egg prices continue to fluctuate. If you live in Wisconsin or are considering relocating there, you’re in luck. Most areas in the state allow backyard chickens and offer relatively favorable regulations for keeping them.
Not sure what your city or county permits or whether keeping chickens is right for you? This guide has you covered. We’ll walk through chicken-keeping laws across all 72 Wisconsin counties and a number of major cities, plus share key tips for getting started with your own backyard flock.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Wisconsin?
Regulations vary by municipality, but most areas in Wisconsin do permit backyard chickens, making it a generally friendly state for those interested in raising a flock. Later in this article, we’ll cover which cities allow backyard chickens and outline the chicken laws in every Wisconsin county, so you can clearly understand the requirements in your area.
What is the Backyard Chicken Bill in Wisconsin?
The backyard chicken bill, also known as Senate Bill 44, is a piece of legislation currently in development that would allow chickens statewide. It states that municipalities can not prohibit the keeping of 4 or fewer chickens.
The bill also outlines permitting and other requirements for keeping backyard chickens. It’s still in development, so be sure to monitor its progress to see if it gets passed into law.
Do You Need A Permit To Have Chickens in Wisconsin?
Yes, most areas in Wisconsin require a chicken-keeping license for backyard chickens. This license certifies that you meet all applicable chicken laws in that area. Some licenses do need to be renewed annually and most will require a permit fee.
In some cases, depending on the size of your chicken coop, you may also need a building permit.
Be sure to contact local officials to ensure compliance with permit requirements.
How Many Chickens Can You Have in Wisconsin?
The number of chickens you can keep largely depends on where you live, typically ranging from 4 to 25. Most commonly, municipalities allow between 4 and 6 chickens. Because limits vary by zoning, city, and county regulations, be sure to check with your local authorities to confirm how many chickens you can keep on your property.
What Cities in Wisconsin Allow Chickens?
Most cities in Wisconsin are friendly toward backyard chickens, making the state an ideal place to start a flock. Below are 25 cities and their chicken-keeping requirements.
In most cases, cities and towns set the rules for keeping chickens. If you live in an unincorporated area, you can skip this list to see which counties allow backyard chickens.
Does Appleton, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, so long as an annual permit is obtained from the Health Department and the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- No Roosters
- Needs Coop: Yes
- Setbacks:
- 3 feet back from the side and rear yard lot lines
- 10 feet from any nearby structure
- No closer than 25 feet to a residential dwelling, church, school, or business on a neighboring lot
Additional requirements do apply, so be sure to adhere to the permit requirements outlined by the City of Appleton.
Does Beloit, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, you can keep chickens on an R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3, or R-4 zoned property with a single-family residence, provided that the following conditions are met:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Permit: Annual permit required
- Needs Coop: Yes
- Placement: Rear yard only
- Coop Size: 24 sq. ft.
- 40 sq. ft. for an attached run
- Setbacks:
- 10 ft from the rear residence wall
- 10 feet from all side or rear property lines, unless abutting an alley, in which case 3 feet
- 20 feet from any principal structures on neighboring properties
Additional requirements apply. Contact the Community Development department to ensure complete compliance and obtain the necessary permits.
Does Brookfield, WI, Allow Chickens?
At one point, Brookfield only allowed backyard chickens to be kept on properties with 3 acres or more. However, legislation was being reviewed allowing chickens on smaller residential properties. It is unclear if their code has been updated to permit chickens on smaller plots. Please contact Inspection Services to determine what their requirements are.
Does Eau Claire, WI, Allow Chickens?
Eau Claire permits the keeping of backyard chickens on residential properties so long as they adhere to the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens: 5
- No Roosters
- Permits: Poultry Keeping License
- Needs Coop: Yes
- Location:
- Placed in the back or side yard
- Must be 10 feet from any property line
- 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
- 5 feet from any structure on your property
- Minimum of 2 feet from all lot lines
There are additional requirements you must meet, which are outlined on Eau Claire’s animals & insects page. To obtain the required license or ask additional questions, contact the Community Development Department.
Does Fond du Lac, WI, Allow Chickens?
The City of Fond du Lac allows residents to keep backyard chickens with a permit, provided they are for personal use only. To comply with local regulations, you must also ensure that:
- Number of Chickens Allowed: 4 per lot
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Coop & Run Size: 12 square feet for each
- Coop Height: 8 feet
- Setbacks:
- 15 feet from any side or rear lot line
Additional requirements may apply, so check with the Community Development Department to ensure compliance. You’ll also need to obtain the required chicken-keeping permit.
Does Green Bay, WI, Allow Chickens?
Green Bary permits chicken keeping with a chicken license that can be submitted to the city clerk. In order to get the license approved, you must meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setback: 25 feet from any principal structure not owned by the filer of the chicken keeping license
- Location: Rear yard only
Contact the Green Bay Planning Department and obtain the required license before adding chickens or building a coop to ensure compliance with city regulations.
Does Greenfield, WI, Allow Chickens?
No, chickens are not permitted to be kept in Greenfield. In fact, the city even prohibits the sale of chickens as pets.
Does Janesville, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Janesville. The city requires that you adhere to the following:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Keep Chickens in a Coop: Yes
- Max Coop Size: 24 Square Feet
- Max Run Size: 40 square feet or 1% of the rear yard area, whichever is greater.
- Location of Chicken Coop:
- No closer than 10 feet from the rear wall of the principal structure
- No closer than 10 feet from any property lines
- No closer than 18 feet from any principal structure on neighboring properties
Additional requirements apply to keeping chickens, including maintaining a clean coop and properly storing feed. Contact the Public Works Administration for full details and to ensure compliance.
Does Kenosha, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, you can have chickens in your backyard in Kenosha, Wisconsin, provided that you meet the following terms and conditions outlined in their backyard chicken coop license:
- Coop Required: Yes
- No Roosters
- Number of Chickens: 4
- Location: Rear yard only
- Coop Size: Coops larger than 120 square feet require a building permit
- Max Coop Height: 6 feet
- Setbacks: No closer than 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact the Kenosha City Development Department to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
Does La Crosse, WI, Allow Chickens?
You can keep chickens in your backyard in La Crosse so long as you’ve obtained a license to keep them. In order to get your license application approved, you must meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 8
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
If you have any questions or would like to submit your application, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (608)-789-7510.
Does Madison, WI, Allow Chickens?
Madison, Wisconsin, allows backyard chickens so long as a chicken license is obtained. In order to receive approval on your application, you must certify that you are complying with the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens: 8
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
Additional requirements apply, so be sure to confirm compliance with all chicken-keeping regulations with the Madison Zoning Department at 608-266-4551.
Does Manitowoc, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, chickens are allowed as long as you obtain a license confirming that all city requirements for chicken keeping are met. To get a license, you must comply with the following standards:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
To ensure complete compliance with licensing requirements, contact the Manitowoc Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Milwaukee, WI, Allow Chickens?
Chicken keeping is permitted in Milwaukee, so long as you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Space Requirement: Minimum of 16 square feet per chicken
- Coop Size: Cannot exceed 50 square feet or 10 feet in height
- Location: Side & rear lots only
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any adjacent lot
If you have any questions about requirements, please contact Milwaukee Neighborhood Services.
Does New Berlin, WI, Allow Chickens?
You can keep chickens in your backyard in New Berlin, so long as you obtain a chicken-keeping license. The requirements for this license are as follows:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setbacks:
- 10 feet from lot lines
- 25 feet from any primary residential structure on an adjacent lot
- Location: Rear yard
Contact the New Berlin Planning & Development Department to ensure you receive approval for your chicken license and comply with all applicable requirements.
Does Oak Creek, WI, Allow Chickens?
It appears that chickens are only permitted in agriculturally zoned areas. Contact Oak Creek Community Development for clarification on what is allowed.
Does Oshkosh, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, so long as you obtain approval on a chicken-keeping permit application. Requirements for application approval are as follows:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Location: Rear yard
- Setbacks:
- 25 feet from any neighboring primary residences
- 5 feet from your residence
- 3 feet from the side and rear property lines
- Attached Run: Required
Additional requirements may apply, so please contact the Oshkosh Community Development Department.
Does Racine, WI, Allow Chickens?
You can keep chickens in your backyard in Racine, Wisconsin, provided that you meet the following requirements and guidelines:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Setbacks:
- 25 feet from principal residences on adjoining lots
- 2 feet from the side and rear property lines
- 5 feet from the primary residence on the property where the coop is located
A permit is required to keep chickens, and can be obtained from the health department.
Does Sheboygan, WI, Allow Chickens?
Sheboygan does permit chickens so long as they are not kept in unsanitary conditions and kept within a certain distance from other dwellings so as not to cause a nuisance. Additional requirements apply, so contact the Sheboygan Planning & Development Department to ensure complete compliance.
Does Sun Prairie, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, Sun Prairie allows chickens so long as you obtain a special use permit that certifies that you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Location: Rear yard
- Setbacks: 15 feet from all property lines
- Coop Size: The chicken coop and run should not exceed 120 square feet
Additional requirements may apply, so confirm compliance with the Community Development department.
Does Washburn, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, the keeping of backyard chickens is allowed in Washburn under certain conditions:
- Number of Chickens: 6
- Coop Required: Yes
- Location: Side & rear yards only
- Setbacks:
- 10 feet from any lot line
- 20 feet from any house or structure other than that of the owner
Additional requirements do apply. Contact the Washburn Zoning Administration & Code Enforcement to ensure compliance and obtain the required permit.
Does Waukesha, WI, Allow Chickens?
The city of Waukesha does allow backyard chickens, so long as a permit is obtained. This permit certifies that you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4 for properties of an acre or less, 6 for properties of 1 acre or more
- No Roosters
- Eggs can’t be hatched
- Coop Required: Yes
- Coop Requirements:
- Can not be able to be entered by predators
- Must provide 16 sq. ft. per chicken, including coop and run
- Must not be located closer than 25 feet from any residential structure on an adjoining property unless express permission is obtained from property owner
There are additional regulations for keeping chickens and obtaining a permit, so be sure to confirm compliance with the Waukesha Community Development Department.
Does Wausau, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, the city allows backyard chickens and outlines the following provisions for keeping them:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Coop Location: Rear yard only
- Coop Size
- Provides 3 sq. ft. per chicken
- No larger than 24 sq. ft.
- Setbacks:
- 10 feet from property lines
- 25 feet from any principal structure on an adjacent lot
A permit is required to keep chickens within the city. Permits are issued by the City Clerk. To ensure compliance with all chicken-keeping regulations, contact the Wausau Development Division.
Does Wauwatosa, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, so long as you obtain a chicken-keeping permit. This permit certifies that you meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Coop Size: Chicken coop and run must provide 16 sq.ft. of space per chicken
- Setbacks: 25 square feet from any residential dwelling on an adjacent lot
- Chicken eggs may not be sold, traded, or hatched for commercial purposes
Additional requirements do apply so be sure to certify compliance with all regulations with the Wauwatosa Planning & Zoning Department.
Does West Allis, WI, Allow Chickens?
It appears as though West Allis does not permit backyard chickens. Please contact the West Allis Planning & Zoning Department for the most accurate and up to date information.
Does West Bend, WI, Allow Chickens?
Yes, West Bend allows backyard chickens so long as the required license is obtained. This license certifies that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- No Roosters
- Coop Required: Yes
- Location: Rear yard only
- Setbacks: 25 feet from any principal structure on a neighboring lot
If you have any questions or to certify that all permit requirements are met, contact (262)-335-5140.
What Counties in Wisconsin Allow Backyard Chickens?
Below is a chart including the 72 counties in Wisconsin, whether or not they allow backyard chickens, the number of chickens allowed, and whether or not a coop or enclosure is required. This chart also features the appropriate government contact information in case you have any questions.
Please note that county requirements typically apply to those who reside in unincorporated areas. Meaning, anyone within city or town limits must refer to their local authorities to find out whether they can have chickens in their backyard.
Some areas have unclear requirements, please refer to the footnotes to get a better understanding of the information available
| County | Dept. Contact | Allows? | Chicken # | Coop? |
| Adams | Planning | Yes | 5 | Unclear |
| Ashland | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Barron | Zoning | Yes | 12 | Yes |
| Bayfield | Planning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Brown | Planning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Buffalo | Zoning | Possibly 1 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Burnett | Zoning | Possibly 2 | Not stated | Yes |
| Calumet | Planning | Yes | 6 | Yes |
| Chippewa | Planning | Yes | 6 | Yes |
| Clark | Planning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Columbia | Planning | Yes | 4 | Yes |
| Crawford | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Dane | Planning | Yes | 8 | Yes |
| Dodge | Land Resources | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Door | Land Use | Possibly 3 | 8 | Unclear |
| Douglas | Zoning | Yes | Unclear 4 | Yes |
| Dunn | Zoning | Yes | 4 | Yes |
| Eau Claire | Planning | Yes | Unclear | Unclear |
| Florence | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Fond du Lac | Planning | Refer to your municipality | N/A | N/A |
| Forest | Call | Yes | 8 | Yes |
| Grant | Contact | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Green | Zoning | Yes | 20 per acre | Not stated |
| Green Lake | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Iowa | Planning | Yes | 25 | Not stated |
| Iron | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Jackson | Zoning | Yes | 4 | Yes |
| Jefferson | Zoning | Yes 5 | Unclear | Unclear |
| Juneau | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Kenosha | Planning | Refer to your municipality | N/A | N/A |
| Kewaunee | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| La Crosse | Zoning | Yes | 5 on ½ acre | Yes |
| Lafayette | Zoning | Yes | 4 | Not stated |
| Langlade | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Lincoln | Land Services | Yes | Varies | Yes |
| Manitowoc | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Marathon | Zoning | Yes | Varies | Not stated |
| Marinette | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Marquette | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Menominee | Zoning | Yes | 8 | Yes |
| Milwaukee | Refer to local officials | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Monroe | Zoning | Yes | 6 | Yes |
| Oconto | Zoning | Yes | 8 | Yes |
| Oneida | Zoning | Yes | 8 | Yes |
| Outagamie | Land Services | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Ozaukee | Zoning | Yes | 10 | Not stated |
| Pepin | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Pierce | Zoning | Yes | 10 | Not stated |
| Polk | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Portage | Zoning | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| Price | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Racine | Development | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Richland | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Rock | Planning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Rusk | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Sauk | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Sawyer | Zoning | Yes | 6 | Yes |
| Shawano | Planning | Possibly 6 | Unclear | Unclear |
| Sheboygan | Planning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| St. Croix | Zoning | Yes | 12 | Yes |
| Taylor | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Trempealeau | Land | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Vernon | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Vilas | Zoning | Possibly 7 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Walworth | Zoning | Yes | 6 | Yes |
| Washburn | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Washington | Land | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
| Waukesha | Zoning | Yes | 5 | Yes |
| Waupaca | Zoning | Yes | 6 | Not stated |
| Waushara | Zoning | Yes | 4 | Yes |
| Winnebago | Zoning | Yes | 4 | Yes |
| Wood | Zoning | Unclear | Unclear | Unclear |
1 Poultry farming is permitted, but it’s unclear what that entails.
2 Poultry farming is permitted, but it’s unclear what that entails.
3 Nowhere is it specifically stated that chickens can be kept for personal use; however, their code of ordinances does note that up to 8 chickens being used for personal purposes is not considered livestock, meaning they could be permitted.
4 Appears to permit backyard chickens in R-2 zoning districts, but specifics are unclear.
5 Agricultural uses, including poultry raising, are permitted in residential zoning districts, but what exactly this entails is unclear.
6 Farm animals are permitted in residential areas, including poultry, but the specifics are not clearly outlined making it unclear if this includes backyard chickens.
7 Agricultural uses are permitted in residential areas, but it’s unclear if this includes the keeping of chickens.
How Do I Keep My Chickens Safe from Predators in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to predators like cats, raccoons, and coyotes, so many areas require predator-resistant materials when building a coop. To protect your flock, use durable options like chain link or welded wire for the run, and avoid chicken wire, which is easily breached. An automatic door that locks securely when chickens are inside adds another layer of protection. Lastly, raise your coop off the ground and ensure all materials are sturdy enough to keep predators out.
Which Chicken Breeds Are Best for the Cold Weather?
Breeds like Australorps, Buff Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Rhode Island Reds perform well in cold weather and are also among the top egg-laying chickens. Even with cold-hardy breeds, insulating your coop and ensuring it’s properly sealed to keep your flock warm when temperatures drop.
Need An Enclosure For Your Backyard Chickens in Wisconsin?
As you’ve learned in this article, nearly all areas in Wisconsin, cities and counties alike, require some sort of enclosure for backyard chickens. Many areas also have certain size, placement, and setback requirements as well as design standards for these structures.
At The Hen House Collection, we understand the importance of a well-constructed chicken coop that complies with local regulations and makes caring for your flock easier. That’s why all our coops come standard with nesting boxes, secure doors, pressure treated legs & runners and more. We also offer custom chicken coops that can be crafted to meet your needs.
Our chicken coops are available in a range of sizes, styles, and colors, so it’s easy to find the option that meets local requirements and matches your preferences. Contact us or request a free quote to get a chicken coop for your flock today.
