Chicken Laws by County in Illinois

Thinking about raising backyard chickens in Illinois? Whether you live in a rural farm town or a Chicago suburb, the first thing you need to know is this: there’s no one-size-fits-all chicken law in Illinois.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore chicken laws by county in Illinois, including key cities and zoning districts, so you can legally raise your flock and enjoy farm-fresh eggs without ruffling feathers with your neighbors—or local code enforcement.

Are Chickens Legal in Illinois?

Yes, backyard chickens are legal in Illinois, but the rules vary by county, city, and even neighborhood. Illinois does not have a statewide regulation for backyard chickens. Instead, each municipality controls its own ordinances, which dictate:

Whether chickens are allowed in residential zones
Flock size and rooster rules
Required setbacks from property lines

Coop cleanliness and containment standards
Permit requirements

Want to make sure your coop meets space and zoning standards? Use this chicken coop calculator to plan a legal, functional setup.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of backyard chicken regulations across key counties in Illinois. Always check with your city or township for the most accurate and up-to-date info.

Cook County (Including Chicago)

Can you raise chickens in Chicago?
Yes—with a few caveats.

Chickens are allowed in Chicago, including in residential zones

No limit on the number of hens, but they must be for personal use
Roosters are not banned, but noise complaints can lead to removal
Coops must be:
- Kept clean and odor-free
- Located in rear yards
- Not a public health nuisance

No permit is required, but you may be fined for violating sanitation or zoning rules

Suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Skokie have their own ordinances—many allow 3–6 hens, no roosters, and require coops to be at least 20 feet from neighboring homes.

DuPage County (Including Naperville, Wheaton)

Chickens are allowed in many municipalities, but with restrictions
City of Naperville allows:
- Up to 8 hens
- No roosters
- A $25 annual permit is required
- Coop must be:
  - 10 feet from property lines
  - In rear yard only
  - Well-maintained

Wheaton permits chickens on lots over 10,000 sq ft, with up to 4 hens allowed

Unincorporated areas typically follow DuPage County Zoning Ordinance, which permits chickens in agricultural zones.

Lake County (Including Waukegan, Libertyville)

Backyard chickens allowed in many towns
Waukegan:
- Allows up to 4 hens
- No roosters
- Coops must be:
  - 20 feet from neighboring homes
  - In rear yard
  - Regularly cleaned
Libertyville and Grayslake have similar rules—usually 4–6 hens, no roosters

Unincorporated areas in Lake County allow chickens on lots over ½ acre with proper setbacks.

Will County (Including Joliet, Bolingbrook)

Chickens are allowed in rural and some suburban zones

Joliet:
- Allows up to 6 hens
- No roosters
- Coops must be:
  - In rear yard
  - 25 feet from dwellings
  - Clean and enclosed
Bolingbrook allows chickens on lots over 10,000 sq ft, with 6-hen limit

Unincorporated Will County is more flexible and typically allows chickens under AG or E-1 zoning.

Kane County (Including Aurora, Elgin)

Aurora allows:
- Up to 4 hens
- No roosters
- Coops must be:
  - 10 feet from property lines
  - In rear yard
  - Clean and predator-proof
Elgin permits backyard chickens with a $25 annual permit

Unincorporated areas follow Kane County zoning rules—generally more lenient in AG and rural zones

McHenry County

Chickens allowed in most towns with AG or residential-agricultural zoning
Crystal Lake allows:
- Up to 6 hens
- Roosters prohibited
- Minimum 25-foot setback from any dwelling

Woodstock and Cary enforce similar rules with strict cleanliness and containment codes

Unincorporated McHenry County permits chickens with larger flock sizes and roosters under AG zoning.

Winnebago County (Including Rockford)

Rockford allows backyard chickens:
- Up to 6 hens
- Roosters are not allowed
- Coop must be:
  - 30 feet from neighboring dwellings
  - Fully enclosed
  - Sanitary and maintained
No permit required unless operating commercially
Unincorporated areas allow more freedom under rural zoning classifications

Champaign County (Including Urbana, Champaign)

Urbana allows:
- Up to 6 hens
- No roosters
- $25 annual permit
- Coop must be:
  - 10 feet from property lines
  - Well-ventilated and predator-proof
Champaign enforces similar rules with strict odor control

Champaign County is fairly supportive of backyard chickens, especially outside city limits.

Peoria County

Peoria City allows:
- Up to 6 hens
- Roosters prohibited
- Coop must be:
  - 25 feet from neighboring homes
  - Clean, enclosed, and free of odor
No permit required for non-commercial flocks
Rural Peoria County permits larger flocks under agricultural zoning

Common Chicken Rules Across Illinois

Most counties and cities in Illinois follow similar backyard poultry guidelines:

Regulation	Typical Rule
Roosters	Prohibited in residential zones
Hen Limit	4–8 hens in cities; unlimited in AG zones
Coop Placement	10–30 feet from dwellings or property lines
Permits	Sometimes required, especially in urban areas
Cleanliness	Coops must be odor-free and regularly maintained
Containment	Chickens must be kept in enclosed coops or runs

Want to avoid zoning violations? Use this chicken coop calculator to ensure your setup meets space, safety, and placement requirements.

Urban vs. Rural Chicken Laws in Illinois

Urban/Suburban Areas (e.g., Chicago, Naperville, Rockford):

Limit of 4–6 hens
Roosters banned
Strict placement and odor rules
Permit may be required
HOAs may further restrict poultry

Rural/Unincorporated Zones:

Larger flocks allowed
Roosters permitted
More freedom in coop placement
Fewer permit or enforcement issues

Important: Even if your county permits chickens, HOA or neighborhood covenants can override those rights. Always double-check before investing in a flock.

How to Find Chicken Laws for Your Town

To get the most accurate info for your specific address:

Check your property zoning via your county’s GIS or zoning department
Read your city’s municipal code online
Contact your local planning or code enforcement office
Review HOA bylaws or neighborhood covenants if applicable

Building a Legal Chicken Coop in Illinois

To ensure your coop meets legal and ethical standards:

4 square feet per chicken inside the coop
8–10 square feet per bird in the run
Proper ventilation and predator-proof design
Enclosed fencing and shaded areas
Meet setback and lot size requirements

Use the chicken coop calculator to design a setup that checks every legal and comfort box.

Conclusion

Raising backyard chickens in Illinois is not only legal—it’s a great way to live more sustainably. But since every county and city has its own chicken laws, the best flock keepers are also well-informed.

By checking your local ordinances, confirming your zoning, and planning your coop with the right tools, you’ll raise happy, healthy hens while staying 100% compliant.

Ready to build your coop? Use the chicken coop calculator to get your flock off to the perfect start—legally and comfortably.

Fresh eggs and feathered friends are closer than you think—just follow the law, plan ahead, and enjoy every cluck-filled moment.

Chicken Laws by County in Illinois

Are Chickens Legal in Illinois?