Interested in keeping backyard chickens in Illinois? You generally can—but the rules vary a lot depending on where you live. Some cities allow a handful of hens with a permit, others have no limits but require sanitation and setbacks. Most places ban roosters. Rural zones are usually more relaxed. This guide covers major cities and counties, in simple and clear language.
Statewide Overview
Illinois does not have a single state law for backyard chickens. Instead, each city or county sets its own rules about how many hens, whether roosters are allowed, coop location, setbacks, cleanliness standards, and permit requirements.
Cook County & Chicago
– In the City of Chicago, chickens are allowed in residential yards with no permit required. There is no official hens limit—but your flock must remain for personal use only. Roosters are not explicitly banned but may be compelled to be removed under noise complaints. Coop must be clean and maintained in the backyard.
– Suburban Cook County cities like Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie and others often allow 3–6 hens, no roosters, and require about 20 feet of setback from neighboring homes. Some may need permits.
DuPage County (Naperville, Wheaton)
– Naperville: Up to 8 hens with a $25 annual permit. Roosters prohibited. Coop must sit in the backyard, at least 10 ft from property line and 30 ft from nearest neighboring home. Must be well-maintained and sanitary.
– Wheaton: Chickens allowed on lots over 10,000 sq ft—up to 4 hens. Roosters banned. Permits may apply.
– Unincorporated areas: agricultural zoning is more permissive; city rules usually apply within city limits.
Lake County (Waukegan, Libertyville, Grayslake)
– Waukegan permits up to 4 hens, no roosters. Coops must be in rear yards, clean, at least 20 ft from neighbors.
– Libertyville & Grayslake: Similar standards—4–6 hens, setbacks 20–25 ft, typically no permit.
Will County (Joliet, Bolingbrook)
– Joliet: Up to 6 hens allowed; roosters prohibited. Coops must be in rear yard, 25 ft from other dwellings, clean and enclosed.
– Bolingbrook: Chickens allowed on lots over 10,000 sq ft with a 6-hen limit and coop standards.
– Unincorporated areas: more relaxed if zoned rural or agricultural.
Kane County (Aurora, Elgin)
– Aurora: Allows up to 4 hens, no roosters. Coops must have 10 ft setback from property lines, located in the backyard, and be predator‑proof.
– Elgin: Keeps chickens with a $25 annual permit; coop and cleanliness requirements.
– Rural zones: agricultural zoning allows larger flocks.
McHenry County (Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Cary)
– Crystal Lake: Up to 6 hens allowed, no roosters. Setbacks are 25 ft. Coops must stay clean and confined.
– Woodstock & Cary: Similar rules with focus on coop standards and odor control.
– Permitting varies by town; unincorporated zones often more lenient.
Winnebago County (Rockford area)
– Rockford city bans backyard chickens under current city code, even though surrounding unincorporated areas may allow it.
– Some nearby towns like Roscoe, Beloit, South Beloit permit up to 5–6 hens.
– In unincorporated township areas, chicken keeping is usually allowed under rural zoning. Roosters are typically banned citywide.
Champaign County (Urbana & Champaign)
– Urbana: Up to 6 hens with a $25 coop license; no roosters. Coops must be in the backyard, four sq ft per hen inside, run eight sq ft per hen, fully enclosed.
– Champaign: Similar rules; coop license required, odor control enforced.
Peoria County (Peoria city)
– City of Peoria allows up to 6 hens; roosters prohibited. Coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring residences, clean, dry and rodent-free.
– Unincorporated county areas under agricultural zoning allow more flexible poultry keeping.
Smaller Towns & Other Counties
- Chenoa: Up to 8 chickens or ducks total; no roosters.
- Northlake: Must obtain a permit; 2–6 hens allowed depending on lot size; coop at least 10 ft from lines; no roosters.
- Mundelein: Licensed program—up to 6 hens by permit, coop and building permit required, setbacks apply; roosters banned.
- Belleville: Requires permit (max 50 permits), up to 6 hens; coop inspection; no roosters.
- Swansea: Allows 4 hens max; permit required; coop must stay clean and fenced.
- Collinsville & Edwardsville: Permit required; allow 2–6 hens based on lot; setbacks and coop standards enforced.
Common Rules Across Illinois Municipalities
- Most cities allow 4–6 hens, often up to eight in certain suburbs.
- Roosters almost always banned in residential zones.
- Coops must stay in rear yards, adhere to setbacks (10–30 ft), and meet size/ventilation standards.
- Many municipalities require annual permits or licenses; fees usually $25–$50.
- All require sanitary upkeep—no strong odors, pests, or noise nuisances.
- HOAs can restrict poultry even where local code allows it.
Summary Table
| Location | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (Cook) | No limit | Not banned but discouraged | No | Sanitary coop, backyard only |
| Naperville (DuPage) | Up to 8 hens | No | Yes ($25) | 10 ft lines, 30 ft neighbor, coop standards |
| Waukegan (Lake) | Up to 4 hens | No | Usually no | 20 ft neighbor setback |
| Belleville | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes ($25) | Rear yard coop, clean, inspected |
| Urbana (Champaign) | Up to 6 hens | No | Yes ($25) | 4 sq ft coop, 8 sq ft run, full enclosure |
| Peoria | Up to 6 hens | No | No for personal use | 25 ft setback; no permit if non-commercial |
| Rockford (Winnebago) | 0 in city | N/A | N/A | City prohibits poultry in residential zones |
Tips to Stay Legal
- Check your zoning—city or township codes apply depending on where your property lies.
- If inside a city, visit municipal planning or code websites for chicken rules.
- Avoid roosters unless you’re on large or agricultural-zoned land.
- Respect coop setbacks and cleanliness standards carefully.
- Get required permits or licenses before building a coop or buying hens.
- Be mindful of neighbors—noise and odor complaints often trigger enforcement.
- Review HOA or deed restrictions—they may override city permissions.
Why These Rules Matter
Poultry ordinances help ensure neighbors aren’t bothered by noise or smell, that coops stay hygienic and safe, and that communities balance urban living with home food production. Permit systems keep flocks manageable and prevent unregulated growth.
Bottom Line
In Illinois, backyard hens are allowed in many places—but rules vary dramatically between cities and counties. Most allow 4 to 8 hens, ban roosters, require setbacks and sanitation, and often need permits. Some areas, like Chicago or Champaign, are more permissive. Rural or agricultural zones generally offer more freedom. Rockford city still bans chickens entirely. If you tell me your county or town, I can help look up the most precise and current rules for your location.