Wisconsin has no statewide rule on backyard chickens. Instead, each city or village sets its own rules. Counties may regulate only in unincorporated areas. Some towns allow hens easily; others require permits, limit numbers, or ban them. This guide explains common patterns and real rules in major cities across Wisconsin.
Common Themes Across Wisconsin Communities
- Most places limit hens to 4–8 per household.
- Roosters are almost always banned in residential zones.
- A permit or license is often required (fees range from $10–$200).
- Coops must meet setback requirements (usually 10–25 ft from property lines or nearby dwellings).
- Minimum space rules: often 2 sq ft coop and 1–2 sq ft run per bird or larger.
- Coops must be predator-proof, ventilated, clean, and odor-free.
- Chickens must be confined—no free roaming allowed.
- Egg sales or breeding for profit are prohibited; flocks are for personal use.
- Violations or neighbor complaints may result in fines or permit revocation.
City Rules in Major Communities
Madison (Dane County)
Residents may keep up to eight hens per lot. No roosters are allowed. A chicken license must be obtained yearly for $10 and renewed by January 1. Notification rules apply for non-owner‐occupied properties. Coops must be in rear or side yard, at least 25 ft from neighboring houses. Henhouses must be rodent‑proof, clean, and dead hens disposed of within 48 hours. Slaughtering and breeding on site are prohibited.
Milwaukee (Milwaukee County)
You may keep up to four hens with a permit (~$35 one‑time fee). Roosters are not allowed. Coops may not exceed 50 sq ft or 10 ft tall and must be in side or rear yards, at least 25 ft from any adjacent dwelling. Chickens must have at least 16 sq ft of combined coop and run space per bird. Coops must be cleaned daily, feed stored securely, and chicken licenses may be revoked if violations occur.
Green Bay (Brown County)
A chicken license issued by the city clerk allows up to four hens. A permit and coop plan are required. Coops must be in rear yards and meet setback rules. Roosters are not permitted.
Kenosha (Kenosha County)
Single-family homes may keep up to four hens with a $200 license. No roosters. Coops must be fenced, in rear yard only, and meet setback and coop size standards.
Racine (Racine County)
A permit allows up to four hens. Roosters are banned. Coops must meet location and sanitary standards, and a license is required from the city.
Appleton (Outagamie County)
Up to six hens are allowed on single- or two-family lots with a permit. Chickens must stay in a coop/enclosure and follow setback rules. Roosters are prohibited.
La Crosse (La Crosse County)
Chicken keeping is allowed with a license from the city clerk (must be obtained within 30 days of acquiring hens). Constraints include setback rules, coop requirements, and prohibition on roosters.
Janesville (Rock County)
Homeowners may have four hens. Required: coop in rear yard, coop up to 24 sq ft, optional run up to 40 sq ft or 1% of yard area. Setbacks: no closer than 10 ft from lot lines or neighbor structures. Roosters are not allowed.
Manitowoc (Manitowoc County)
Residents may have six hens with a license. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be in rear yards and meet setback distances (usually 25 ft from adjacent dwellings).
Waukesha (Waukesha County)
Properties ≤1 acre may have four hens; larger lots up to six hens. A permit is required. No roosters. Flocks limited to 16 sq ft per chicken (coop + run). Coops must be at least 25 ft from any residence on adjacent property unless permission is obtained.
Wausau (Marathon County)
Residents may keep four hens with a permit. Coops must be no larger than 24 sq ft and meet setbacks: 10 ft from lot lines, 25 ft from neighboring dwellings. Roosters are prohibited.
Sun Prairie (Dane County)
A special use permit allows four hens. Coops and runs must not exceed 120 sq ft and be set back 15 ft from lot lines. Roosters are banned.
Stratford (Marathon County)
The village permits up to four hens. A permit is required, and applicants must notify abutting neighbors. Roosters are not allowed.
West Allis (Milwaukee County)
This city currently prohibits backyard chickens. No permits are granted; residents in the past had to remove birds.
County Rules & Unincorporated Areas
Outside city limits, counties often allow chickens on rural lots, typically up to 5–12 hens depending on acreage. They focus on setbacks, confinement, and nuisance laws rather than formal licensing. Dane County allows up to eight domestic fowl (hens, ducks, quail combined) per residential lot as accessory use in zoning areas.
State-Level Bill Under Consideration
A state bill proposed in 2025 would allow every municipality to permit up to four chickens. Local governments could still impose reasonable rules (permits, setbacks, bans on roosters). As of now, this law is not passed, so local ordinances still govern.
Checklist Before Keeping Chickens in Wisconsin
- Determine whether you’re inside city limits or in an unincorporated area.
- Look up your city’s chicken ordinance or contact municipal staff.
- Find out how many hens are allowed, and whether roosters are banned.
- Ask if a chicken license or permit is needed and what fee or application rules apply.
- Review coop and run setback requirements from property lines and neighbor homes.
- Check minimum coop + run space requirements per bird.
- Ensure coops are secure, predator-proof, ventilated, and maintained clean.
- Feed should be stored in sealed containers; manure must be managed responsibly.
- Usually egg sales, breeding, and onsite slaughter are prohibited.
- Notifications to neighbors may be required, especially for multi-family properties.
- Understand enforcement: violations or complaints may lead to fines or permit revocation.
- If you’re under HOA or deed restriction, confirm chickens are allowed.
Why These Rules Matter
Local regulations balance personal freedoms, public health, and neighborhood comfort. Proper setbacks and coop standards help prevent odor, pests, and complaints. Restricting roosters avoids noise. Permits and plans allow officials to review sites and keep conditions sanitary. By following rules and maintaining clean enclosures, chicken keeping becomes a welcome and sustainable activity.
Conclusion
Keeping backyard hens in Wisconsin is allowed in many cities—but rules vary widely. Cities like Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Janesville, Waukesha, and La Crosse each offer clear limits and permit systems. Some places like West Allis ban chickens entirely. In rural county areas, fences and setback rules often apply but licensing may not be required. Before getting chickens, contact your local code or planning office, design a compliant coop, follow permit procedures, and maintain a clean enclosure. Then you can enjoy fresh eggs legally and responsibly.
Happy chicken keeping in Wisconsin!