Can I keep chickens in Evanston, IL?
Yes — Evanston allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (9-4-5 (Title 9, Ch. 4 - Dogs, Cats, Animals and Fowl); Ordinance 23-O-10, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only; minimum 2 hens required; coop at least 10 ft from principal building wall; at least 3 ft from property lines; 4 sq ft per hen minimum; apartments and condos ineligible; Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Premise ID required; adjacent landowner notice required; annual license expires Dec 31 |
| Code section | 9-4-5 (Title 9, Ch. 4 - Dogs, Cats, Animals and Fowl); Ordinance 23-O-10 |
Evanston allows 2 to 6 hens per property under an annual $50 hen coop license (Ordinance 23-O-10). Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be in the rear yard at least 10 ft from the principal building and 3 ft from property lines. Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Premise ID and adjacent landowner notice are required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Evanston?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Evanston (9-4-5 (Title 9, Ch. 4 - Dogs, Cats, Animals and Fowl); Ordinance 23-O-10).
How many chickens can I keep in Evanston?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Evanston?
Yes — Evanston requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Evanston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Evanston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Evanston?
10 feet minimum. Rear yard only; minimum 2 hens required; coop at least 10 ft from principal building wall; at least 3 ft from property lines; 4 sq ft per hen minimum; apartments and condos ineligible; Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Premise ID required; adjacent landowner notice required; annual license expires Dec 31
What law covers backyard chickens in Evanston?
9-4-5 (Title 9, Ch. 4 - Dogs, Cats, Animals and Fowl); Ordinance 23-O-10. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
9-4-5 (Title 9, Ch. 4 - Dogs, Cats, Animals and Fowl); Ordinance 23-O-10 — read the official code
“Hens, not roosters, are allowed. A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 hens are allowed per coop.” source
“Please refer to Ordinance 23-O-10 for the complete text referenced. In compliance with Title 9 Chapter 4, Section 5, 6(a)” source
“Annual license fee: $50.” source
“No accessory building shall be located within ten feet (10) of the nearest wall of the principal building.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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