Wisconsin Backyard Chicken Laws: Permits, Limits, and Setbacks by City and County
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Is it legal to keep chickens in city limits or residential areas in Wisconsin?
Yes, backyard chickens are generally allowed across Wisconsin with no blanket statewide prohibition or fixed flock cap. In most city limits and residential areas, keeping chickens is permitted under specific local conditions—for example, Milwaukee allows up to 4 hens (permit required); Madison allows up to 8 (permit); Green Bay allows up to 6 (permit/setbacks apply); and Kenosha allows up to 6 (permit required). Cities and counties set individual flock sizes, rooster policies (often strictly banned to curb noise), local permits, and enclosure setbacks (commonly 10–50 ft from neighbors, with rear-yard-only placement typical).
Rural areas and unincorporated counties outside city boundaries tend to be far more lenient, often featuring no hen limits and allowing roosters on sufficient acreage. Regardless of flock size or location, statewide livestock premises registration (Wis. Stat. § 95.51) is required for all poultry keepers.
Note: Not specified means no specific requirement was identified in the applicable municipal sources reviewed.
⚠️ Important: Wisconsin ordinances may change without notice. Always verify the current rules with your local jurisdiction and any HOA before you build your coop.
Wisconsin Major Cities Ordinances
Milwaukee, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($35.56 one-time) | Setback: 25 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot; rear yard
Madison, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 8 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent residential structures
Green Bay, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($5 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent structures; 10 ft from lot lines
Kenosha, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($200 new; $100 renewal) | Setback: 25 ft from all property lines
Racine, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential structures
Appleton, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Waukesha, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens on single-family properties | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard; secure coop or run
Eau Claire, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 poultry | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 10 ft from lines; 25 ft from structures; 5 ft from home
Oshkosh, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($25 initial) | Setback: Rear yard; 25 ft from adjacent residential building; 10 ft from property lines
Janesville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent residential dwelling
Official Sources & Data Integrity
We reference Wisconsin municipal bylaws and ordinances from verified platforms like ecode360.com, municode.com, and local government websites at the time of publication.
Key Wisconsin Legal References
- Wisconsin DATCP Premises Registration: Mandatory state tracking for animal and poultry keepers.
- Wis. Stat. § 97.43 and administrative code ch. ATCP 55: State statutory guidelines governing poultry processing and meat safety.
- Wisconsin DATCP Meat and Poultry Businesses Resource Page: Regulatory compliance portal for state-licensed operations.
Wisconsin Ordinances by City & County
Find your county, city or town below for detailed rules regarding your local limits.
Adams County, WI
Adams, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Dellwood / Friendship, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring windows
Oxford, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Ashland County, WI
Ashland, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Butternut / Mellen, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 30 ft from neighboring dwellings
Barron County, WI
Cumberland, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 10 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from all property lines
Barron / Chetek / Rice Lake, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Bayfield County, WI
Washburn, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Bayfield, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring dwellings
Brown County, WI
De Pere, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($6 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring principal structures
Suamico, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from all property lines
Wrightstown, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens or ducks | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($25 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent primary structures
Buffalo County, WI
Alma, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 fowl | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 100 ft from neighboring structures
Mondovi, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property boundaries; 25 ft from dwellings
Cochrane / Fountain City / Nelson, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 20 ft from property boundaries; 50 ft from homes
Burnett County, WI
Webster, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 12 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Grantsburg, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed (over 4 months) | Permit: Required | Setback: 5 ft from property lines; 25 ft from residences
Siren, WI
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property borders; 25 ft from windows
Calumet County, WI
Chilton, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from lot lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Brillion / New Holstein, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Sherwood / Hilbert, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 20 ft from property lines; 50 ft from windows
Chippewa County, WI
Chippewa Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Stanley, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (<20k sq ft); up to 8 hens (larger) | Roosters: Not Allowed (<40k sq ft) | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from principal structures
Bloomer / Boyd / Cadott / Cornell, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Clark County, WI
Neillsville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Abbotsford / Colby / Loyal / Owen / Thorp, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Curtiss / Dorchester / Granton / Unity / Withee, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 20 ft from property lines; 50 ft from windows
Greenwood, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Columbia County, WI
Columbus, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential structures
Lodi, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Standard accessory building setbacks
Portage, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 12 chickens or ducks | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 50 ft from property lines; 100 ft from dwellings
Arlington / Cambria / Fall River / Poynette, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Crawford County, WI
Prairie Du Chien, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring structures
Gays Mills / Soldiers Grove / Wauzeka, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Dane County, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (special use $35 + $15 annual) | Setback: 15 ft from all property lines
Middleton, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($25 zoning + $40 building) | Setback: 15 ft side; 25 ft rear
Belleville / Fitchburg / Stoughton / Verona, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–20 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from homes
Dodge County, WI
Mayville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($25 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring principal structures
Waupun, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from dwellings
Beaver Dam, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Ashippun / Brownsville / Burnett / Clyman / Fox Lake / Horicon / Hustisford / Iron Ridge / Juneau / Lomira / Lowell / Neosho / Randolph / Reeseville / Rubicon / Theresa, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–15 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Door County, WI
Sturgeon Bay, WI
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 150 ft from nearest neighboring residence
Baileys Harbor / Brussels / Egg Harbor / Ephraim / Forestville / Sister Bay, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–25 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from all property lines; rear yard
Douglas County, WI
Superior, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring principal dwellings
Lake Nebagamon / Poplar / Solon Springs, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–20 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from structures
Dunn County, WI
Menomonie, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($35 initial + $10 annual) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from structures
Colfax, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 10 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 annual) | Setback: Standard accessory structure setbacks
Boyceville / Downing / Elk Mound / Knapp / Ridgeland / Wheeler, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–15 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from dwellings
Eau Claire County, WI
Altoona, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Conditional use permit required | Setback: Standard accessory building lines
Augusta / Fall Creek, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10–15 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from borders; 25 ft from dwellings
Forest County, WI
Crandon, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($5 annual) | Setback: 25 ft from nearest neighbor residence
Grant County, WI
Boscobel, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Fennimore, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: More than 15 ft from residential structures
Platteville, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Green County, WI
Brodhead, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side or rear lot lines; 15 ft from neighboring doors or windows
Monroe, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from lot lines; 25 ft from adjacent principal structure
Monticello, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from structures on adjacent lots; rear yard
New Glarus, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($15 annual) | Setback: 15 ft from all lot lines; rear or non-address side yard
Green Lake County, WI
Berlin, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($15 annual) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential structures; 5 ft from property lines
Green Lake, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 20 ft from side or rear lot lines; 50 ft from adjacent dwellings
Markesan, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 15 ft from all property borders; 25 ft from neighboring residences
Princeton, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 50 ft from any street line or lot line
Iowa County, WI
Dodgeville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: Not specified
Mineral Point, WI
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Iron County, WI
Hurley, WI
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: Not specified
Montreal, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Jackson County, WI
Black River Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 fowl | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Melrose, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Merrillan, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual renewal by March 31) | Setback: 50 ft from dwellings on adjoining properties; rear yard
Jefferson County, WI
Fort Atkinson, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 animals total combined with dogs/cats | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
Lake Mills, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 annual) | Setback: 15 ft from any neighboring property line; no front yard
Watertown, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from any side or rear lot line
Juneau County, WI
Elroy, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential structures; 10 ft from property lines
Mauston, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 20 ft from adjacent dwellings; 5 ft from property lines
New Lisbon, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property borders; 25 ft from neighboring residences
Kenosha County, WI
Bristol, WI
Hen Limit: Not specified | Roosters: Allowed | Permit: Required unless zoned Agriculture | Setback: Not specified
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard
Salem Lakes / Silver Lake / Trevor, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens on lots up to 10k sq ft; 6 hens up to 15k sq ft; 10 hens up to 2 acres; 20 hens over 2 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (plus DATCP premises registration) | Setback: 5 ft under 1 acre; 10 ft over 1 acre; 75 ft from high water mark
Twin Lakes, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Kewaunee County, WI
Algoma, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens in open coops; up to 6 hens in enclosed coops | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 enclosed / $20 open, annual) | Setback: 25 ft from all lot lines; no front-yard placement
La Crosse County, WI
Holmen, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
La Crosse, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 8 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($40 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
Onalaska, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 female chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent homes; 3 ft from property lines
Lafayette County, WI
Darlington, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 annual) | Setback: 25 ft from any neighbor dwelling; 10 ft from side or rear property lines
Langlade County, WI
Antigo, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 25 ft from nearest neighbor residence; 10 ft from lot lines
Lincoln County, WI
Merrill, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential structures
Tomahawk, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from adjacent dwellings
Manitowoc County, WI
Kiel, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from neighboring residential structures
Manitowoc, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 fee) | Setback: 25 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot
Two Rivers, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 15 ft from property boundaries; 25 ft from neighboring houses
Marathon County, WI
Mosinee, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 10 ft from side or rear lot boundaries; 25 ft from adjacent principal homes
Rothschild, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual renewal) | Setback: 15 ft from lot borders; 25 ft from any adjacent neighbor home
Schofield, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Wausau, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens or pullets | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($35 fee) | Setback: 10 ft from property lines; 25 ft from adjacent principal residential structure
Marinette County, WI
Marinette, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Marquette County, WI
Montello, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not required | Setback: 200 ft from any building used for human habitation
Milwaukee County, WI
Cudahy, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 2 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from all property lines and adjacent residential structures; 10 ft from principal structure
Franklin, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 20 fowl per acre (rural/ag, min. 3 acres) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: Not specified
Greendale, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Hales Corners, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Oak Creek, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 10 chickens per acre (agricultural use scaled by acreage) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Not specified
South Milwaukee, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Monroe County, WI
Sparta, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 20 ft from neighboring dwellings
Tomah, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license with site plan) | Setback: 25 ft from any neighbor residential structure; backyard
Oconto County, WI
Oconto, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: Rear yard; clear setbacks from adjacent neighbor lines
Oconto Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from neighboring residential homes
Oneida County, WI
Rhinelander, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 20 ft from any principal dwelling on adjacent property; rear yard
Outagamie County, WI
Kaukauna, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from a residential structure, church, school, or business on a neighboring lot; 3 ft from side and rear lot lines
Ozaukee County, WI
Cedarburg, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 40 ft from a neighboring residential structure; 10 ft from side or rear lot lines; 75 ft from high-water mark
Mequon, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens per parcel | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($65 annual) | Setback: Must comply with accessory enclosure configurations
Pepin County, WI
Durand, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from side and rear property borders; 25 ft from any adjacent residential house
Pierce County, WI
Ellsworth, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent dwellings; rear yard
Prescott, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license) | Setback: 10 ft from property lot boundaries; 25 ft from neighboring main structures
River Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (site plan review) | Setback: 25 ft from any neighbor dwelling; 10 ft from side/rear property boundaries
Polk County, WI
Amery, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 poultry birds total | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($35 inspection + $10 annual) | Setback: 25 ft from residential structures on adjacent lots; 6 ft from on-property house; 8 ft from property lines
Saint Croix Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring homes; 15 ft from property borders
Portage County, WI
Plover, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Not applicable | Setback: Not applicable
Stevens Point, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens (ducks also allowed) | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 special animal permit) | Setback: Standard accessory structure setbacks
Price County, WI
Park Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 15 ft from property borders; 25 ft from neighboring principal residential dwelling
Racine County, WI
Burlington, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 adult poultry birds | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (75% consent within 300 ft) | Setback: 5 ft from property boundaries; 30 ft from any neighboring occupied structure
Caledonia, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 chickens on lots under 4 acres; up to 12 on lots over 4 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($20 for six; $40 for twelve, annual) | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residences; 3 ft from property lines; 5 ft from primary owner residence
Richland County, WI
Richland Center, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent residential structures
Rock County, WI
Beloit, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 female chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 10 ft from any lot line; 10 ft from rear wall of owner residence; 20 ft from any principal structure on adjacent property
Footville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per dwelling unit | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 10 ft from side or rear lot lines; 20 ft from door or window of any adjacent occupied structure
Orfordville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens per dwelling unit | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 10 ft from side or rear lot lines; 15 ft from door or window of any adjacent occupied structure
Rusk County, WI
Ladysmith, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license) | Setback: 15 ft from all property lot lines; 25 ft from neighboring residential homes
Sauk County, WI
Baraboo, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed in residential zones; agricultural districts only | Roosters: Allowed in agricultural districts | Permit: No specialized backyard chicken permit | Setback: Not specified
Sawyer County, WI
Hayward, WI
Hen Limit: Allowed under zoning-specific parameters (typically 4–6 hens where permitted) | Roosters: Not Allowed in high-density residential zones | Permit: Required (zoning or land use) | Setback: Not specified
Shawano County, WI
Shawano, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 annual) | Setback: Not specified
Tigerton, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 12 chickens | Roosters: Restrictions apply based on proximity to neighbors | Permit: Required (annual; site inspection) | Setback: Not specified
Sheboygan County, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Standard accessory structure setbacks; no front or side yards
Plymouth, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard of single-family homes
St. Croix County, WI
Hudson, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens on residential properties | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($50 initial; $20 renewal) | Setback: 25 ft from adjacent residential structures, decks, or patios; 10 ft from property line
Taylor County, WI
Medford, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 chickens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($15 annual) | Setback: Not specified
Trempealeau County, WI
Arcadia, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 15 ft from any property line; 25 ft from neighboring residential homes; rear yard
Galesville, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 10 ft from property borders; 25 ft from any adjacent principal residential structure
Vernon County, WI
Viroqua, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual fee) | Setback: 15 ft from side or rear lot lines; 25 ft from adjacent dwellings; backyard
Westby, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license) | Setback: 15 ft from property lines; 25 ft from any neighboring principal residential dwelling
Vilas County, WI
Eagle River, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: 15 ft from property boundaries; 25 ft from adjacent residential dwellings
Walworth County, WI
Whitewater, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 6 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from doors or windows of any neighboring dwelling; 5 ft from rear or side-yard property lines
Washburn County, WI
Spooner, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: Not specified
Washington County, WI
West Bend, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard
Hartford, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($25 initial) | Setback: 25 ft from any neighboring principal structure; 10 ft from all property boundaries
Waukesha County, WI
Pewaukee, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 5 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($100 annual) | Setback: Not specified
Brookfield, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed on standard residential lots; minimum 3 acres under livestock rules | Roosters: Allowed only on agricultural acreage | Permit: No specialized small-flock backyard permit | Setback: Not specified
Menomonee Falls, WI
Hen Limit: Not allowed on standard suburban lots; minimum 3 acres | Roosters: Not Allowed in residential zones | Permit: Not specified | Setback: Not specified
Waupaca County, WI
Waupaca, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required ($10 annual) | Setback: 20 ft from any neighboring residential structure; 5 ft from property boundaries; backyard
Waushara County, WI
Wautoma, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: Rear yard; 15 ft from side and rear property borders
Winnebago County, WI
Neenah, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required | Setback: 25 ft from neighboring residential buildings; standard side/rear property line boundaries
Wood County, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual) | Setback: Backyard; 20 ft from any neighboring dwelling
Marshfield, WI
Hen Limit: Up to 4 hens | Roosters: Not Allowed | Permit: Required (annual license) | Setback: 10 ft from side or rear lot lines; 25 ft from neighboring residential structures
Unincorporated Areas & Rural Counties
Most unincorporated Wisconsin towns do not set a backyard hen cap or require a county chicken permit. Roosters are usually allowed, and coops typically follow accessory or livestock setbacks of about 30 to 50 feet. A few counties are stricter: Dane County allows up to 8 hens with a $15 zoning permit and no roosters; Jefferson County allows up to 5 hens with no roosters; Walworth County allows up to 6 hens in standard residential zones with no roosters; Barron County scales flock size by acreage; Eau Claire County requires a poultry license; and Waukesha County requires a $50 recreational registration. Town boards can still impose tighter local rules, so check the town as well as the county.
Zoning, Building Permits and HOA Notes
Wisconsin does not require a statewide backyard chicken permit. However, coops are accessory structures and must comply with local zoning rules on size, placement, and setbacks. Some cities require building permits for larger coops or permanent structures. Homeowners associations - HOAs can restrict or ban chickens even where city or county ordinances allow them.
Selling Backyard Eggs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is friendly toward small-scale egg producers. Small direct sales are often exempt under small-producer rules. Eggs must follow DATCP labeling and handling requirements.
Direct Sales Only: Allowed without permit for small scale to consumers.
Labeling: Include producer name, address, "Ungraded," safe handling instructions.
Storage: Refrigerate properly; avoid selling addled/moldy eggs.
Larger Sales: May require DATCP registration/inspection if wholesale or high volume.
Wisconsin Poultry Slaughter Rules
Under Wisconsin regulations governed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, backyard poultry owners must follow specific state requirements for slaughtering and processing meat. Wisconsin operates its own comprehensive state meat and poultry inspection program that mirrors federal standards while providing distinct local exemptions:
Personal Use: Fully exempt and legal. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 97.43, you may slaughter poultry you raised on your own premises for your exclusive personal use, or for consumption by members of your immediate household, non-paying guests, and employees. No state license or official inspection is required for personal consumption, provided sanitary conditions are maintained.
Commercial Sale (The 1,000-Bird Exemption): Wisconsin law explicitly exempts poultry producers from licensing and inspection requirements if they raise and slaughter fewer than 1,000 birds annually on their own farm. To qualify for this exemption, the birds must be sold directly to consumers from the place where the birds were raised, and the packaging must be clearly labeled with the producer's name, address, net weight, and the explicit statement "NOT INSPECTED".
Commercial Scale (1,000 to 20,000 Birds): Under Wis. Stat. § 97.43(11), operations processing more than 1,000 but less than 20,000 birds per year are fully subject to DATCP regulations regarding licensing, facility sanitation, and standard practices to ensure the product is not adulterated. However, they may be exempt from continuous daily, bird-by-bird inspector presence if consumer safety is maintained. These products may be sold to local retail stores, hotels, and restaurants within state lines.
Essential Guides for Backyard Chicken Success
How do I raise backyard chickens successfully?
Ready to build your coop? Follow our Step-by-Step DIY Chicken Coop Guide and construct a sturdy, well-ventilated coop built specifically to handle Wisconsin's humid summers, sub-zero winter blasts, and heavy snowfall.
Already have chickens? Set your flock up for long-term success in the Badger State. From selecting cold-hardy breeds that easily survive freezing upper-Midwest winters to managing seasonal mud and intense predator pressure from Wisconsin's native raccoons, foxes, coyotes, badgers, and hawks, our guides help you maintain a productive, neighborhood-friendly flock.
Complete Resource: View Our Ultimate Backyard Chicken Management Guide