Are Chickens Allowed in Rockford, IL?

BySusan Medlin

If you live in Rockford, Illinois and are wondering whether you can raise chickens in your backyard, the answer is: not under current city law. Rockford has considered changing its rules, but as of now, owning chickens is not permitted within the city limits. Below is a detailed look at what the rules are, what has been proposed, and what to watch for if you’re hoping to keep hens someday.

Current Law: No Chickens Allowed

The City of Rockford’s official policy states that residents are not permitted to own any type of fowl, including chickens. The city makes this clear in its guidance for residents.

Key Points of the Current Law

  • No domesticated fowl or poultry (hens, roosters, etc.) are allowed within city limits.
  • There are no provisions for permits or licenses for backyard chickens under present ordinances.
  • Even proposals to allow hens have been rejected by City Council votes.

Recent Proposals & Community Efforts

Rockford has debated changing this policy, and there have been several proposals for allowing a small number of hens under regulated conditions. So while chickens are currently not allowed, there’s been movement in the local government toward changing that. Here’s a summary of what has been proposed:

  • A proposal to allow up to four hens per property in many residential zones, with the coop being limited in size (about 80 square feet) and subject to setback requirements.
  • Only female chickens would be allowed; roosters (crowing poultry) would continue to be prohibited.
  • Proposals have included restrictions ensuring that the coop/run is enclosed, maintained cleanly, and does not cause odor or noise issues. Permits were part of the proposed rules.
  • In January 2023, the City Council voted to reject a proposal that would have allowed residents to raise hens under those terms.

What the “Domestic Fowl Application” Shows

Interestingly, Rockford has published a “Domestic Fowl Application” form, which outlines what would be required if one were allowed. Although that doesn’t mean the policy is in effect, the form includes details that illustrate what residents *would* need to do under a future ordinance. Key points from the application include:

  • Maximum of 5 female chickens per lot, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the lot.
  • Enclosures: henhouses must be in the rear yard, fenced securely, odor-free, predator and rodent proof, etc.
  • Setbacks: the henhouse must be at least 20 feet from neighboring dwellings and 10 feet from property lines.
  • Hens must be secured at night, coop designs must meet standards for ventilation and materials, and no roosters would be permitted.
  • Odor or noise that is noticeable at property boundaries would have to be addressed promptly.

What to Watch for in the Future

If you’re interested in keeping chickens, here are things to keep your eye on to know if or when Rockford law changes:

  • City Council votes on ordinance changes or pilot programs that allow backyard hens.
  • Public feedback periods and petitions, since residents have shown strong interest in backyard poultry.
  • Drafts of ordinances including setback rules, coop size limits, and quality standards for enclosures.
  • Whether applications or permits published by the city become valid in practice, signaling that enforcement policies have shifted.

Conclusion

Right now, chickens are not permitted in the City of Rockford, Illinois. The city has considered rules to allow hens under certain conditions, but these proposals have not become law. If you’re hoping to raise hens someday, start by watching local council meetings, reviewing city ordinance updates, and being ready to meet fairly strict enclosure, setback, and cleanliness requirements if (and when) the rules change.

Special Resource for Chicken Enthusiasts

If you’re preparing for the possibility of keeping hens in the future, consider Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US. This resource includes:

  • Step-by-step chicken coop building instructions
  • Noise and odor control strategies
  • Beginner-friendly care routines
  • Feeding, health, and predator protection advice

Get Backyard Eggs Now and be ready to raise chickens in Rockford if the rules change