Chicken Laws by County in Wisconsin
Backyard chicken keeping is soaring in popularity across Wisconsin. Whether you’re in a Milwaukee suburb or a rural corner of the state, keeping chickens means fresh eggs, food security, and a more sustainable lifestyle. But here’s the deal:
Chicken laws vary from county to county—and even city to city—across Wisconsin.
This guide walks you through key ordinances in Wisconsin’s major counties so you can raise chickens legally, avoid neighbor disputes, and give your flock the safe space it deserves.
Are Chickens Legal in Wisconsin?
Yes, chickens are legal in most areas across Wisconsin, but the rules change depending on:
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Municipal and county zoning ordinances
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Flock size limits
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Rooster restrictions
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Coop placement and sanitation rules
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Whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural zone
Always check your local ordinances and HOA rules, if applicable, because they can override broader county permissions.
Milwaukee County (Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa)
Can you keep chickens in Milwaukee County?
Yes—but each city has its own specific rules.
City of Milwaukee:
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Up to 4 hens allowed per lot.
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Roosters are prohibited.
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Requires a $35 permit and annual renewal.
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Coop must be at least 25 feet from neighboring homes.
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Chickens must be kept in a predator-proof enclosure at all times.
West Allis:
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Allows up to 4 hens, no roosters.
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Coop must be in the rear yard only, at least 10 feet from property lines.
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Permit and inspection required.
Wauwatosa:
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Allows chickens with a one-time permit.
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Limit: 4 hens, no roosters.
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Coop setback: 25 feet from dwellings, 5 feet from property lines.
Dane County (Madison, Fitchburg)
Are chickens allowed in Dane County?
Yes—especially in Madison and surrounding towns.
City of Madison:
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Up to 4 hens allowed on residential lots.
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Roosters are banned.
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A $10 annual permit is required.
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Coops must be located in the rear yard, and chickens must be enclosed.
Fitchburg:
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Permits up to 6 hens on single-family residential properties.
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No roosters allowed.
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Coop must meet sanitation and distance regulations.
Outside city limits in Dane County, most rural and agricultural zones allow larger flocks and roosters, often without any permits.
Waukesha County (Waukesha, Brookfield)
What are the chicken laws in Waukesha County?
They differ between cities and unincorporated areas.
City of Waukesha:
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Up to 4 hens allowed, no roosters.
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Coop must be placed in the backyard, and cleanliness is enforced.
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A one-time permit and neighbor notification are required.
Brookfield:
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Requires a minimum lot size of 1 acre to keep chickens.
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6-hen limit, no roosters.
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Coop must be set back 20 feet from property lines.
In unincorporated Waukesha County, chickens are often allowed in residential-agricultural zones, sometimes with fewer restrictions.
Brown County (Green Bay)
Is chicken keeping legal in Green Bay and Brown County?
Yes—but with municipal oversight.
City of Green Bay:
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Allows up to 4 hens, no roosters.
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Requires a $10 annual license.
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Coops must be 20 feet from any dwelling, and only in the rear yard.
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Chickens must stay confined and not become a nuisance.
Rural Brown County:
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In unincorporated areas, chickens are allowed with fewer limitations, especially on lots 1 acre or larger.
Racine County (Racine, Mount Pleasant)
What’s the chicken policy in Racine County?
Backyard chickens are allowed—with some urban limitations.
City of Racine:
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Residents can keep up to 4 hens, no roosters.
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Chickens must be registered with the city.
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Coop must be located at least 25 feet from all neighboring residences.
Mount Pleasant:
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Chickens allowed on lots over ½ acre.
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Up to 6 hens, roosters prohibited.
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Coops must be clean and located in the rear yard.
Kenosha County (Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie)
Are chickens legal in Kenosha County?
Yes—but city ordinances must be followed.
City of Kenosha:
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Allows up to 6 hens, no roosters.
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Coops must be located in rear yards, 10+ feet from property lines.
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A one-time permit is required.
Pleasant Prairie:
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Chickens allowed with a permit on lots at least 1 acre.
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Up to 6 hens.
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Roosters only permitted in rural/ag zones.
Winnebago County (Oshkosh)
What are the chicken rules in Winnebago County?
City of Oshkosh:
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Up to 4 hens allowed, no roosters.
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A permit is required, and coops must be located in the rear yard.
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Setback: at least 25 feet from any dwelling.
Rural Winnebago County:
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Chickens are widely permitted, including roosters, in most unincorporated and ag-zoned areas.
Common Chicken Laws Across Wisconsin Counties: Quick Table
| County/City | Hens Allowed | Roosters | Permit Required | Minimum Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 4 | No | Yes ($35 annually) | 25 ft |
| Madison | 4 | No | Yes ($10/year) | Rear yard only |
| Waukesha | 4 | No | Yes | 20–25 ft |
| Green Bay | 4 | No | Yes ($10/year) | 20 ft |
| Racine | 4 | No | Yes | 25 ft |
| Kenosha | 6 | No | Yes | 10+ ft |
| Oshkosh | 4 | No | Yes | 25 ft |
Coop Size and Placement Requirements in Wisconsin
Across most municipalities, these are the typical coop regulations:
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3–5 square feet per chicken inside the coop
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8–10 square feet per chicken in the run
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Backyard placement only
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10–25 feet setback from homes or property lines
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Sanitary maintenance is a must to avoid fines or removal
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Coops must be enclosed and predator-proof
Want to make sure you’re building a coop that meets legal and welfare standards? Use our sister tool to calculate how much coop space your chicken needs. It simplifies planning, reduces mistakes, and helps you meet municipal requirements.
The chicken coop calculator is especially useful if you’re expanding your flock or adapting your setup for seasonal changes.
Tips for Raising Legal Backyard Chickens in Wisconsin
To ensure you stay compliant and neighbor-friendly:
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Review local ordinances and zoning codes before purchasing chickens.
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Skip the rooster unless you’re in a rural/ag zone.
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Keep the coop clean, quiet, and properly ventilated.
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Don’t free-range unless you have fencing and permission.
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Talk to neighbors ahead of time—it’s just good chicken-keeping etiquette.
Conclusion: Raising Chickens in Wisconsin Starts with Knowing the Law
Wisconsin is one of the best states for backyard chicken keepers—but only if you follow your local rules. From Milwaukee to Madison, every city has its own guidelines on how many hens you can raise, where to place your coop, and what kinds of permits you need.
Don’t leave it up to chance—plan your setup properly with the chicken coop calculator. It helps you calculate how much coop space your chicken needs, ensuring you stay legal and keep your hens happy and healthy.
With a little research and the right setup, you’ll be on your way to fresh eggs and a thriving backyard flock anywhere in Wisconsin.