Can I keep chickens in Springfield?
Yes, with conditions — Springfield allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Sec 1124.03 (Zoning Code, Chapter 1124 Animal Regulations), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop required (fowl may not be kept inside a dwelling); min. 4 sqft indoor space and 8 sqft outdoor roaming area per fowl; confined to coop 6pm-6am; coop min. 5ft from side property line, 10ft from rear line, 30ft from any dwelling on an adjacent lot; predator-proof, clean, odor-free. Roosters prohibited on R-LD/R-HD zoning districts and lots under 1 acre; elsewhere 1 rooster per 8 fowl allowed with 100ft setback from any adjacent dwelling. Outdoor slaughter of fowl is prohibited. |
| Code section | Sec 1124.03 (Zoning Code, Chapter 1124 Animal Regulations) |
Springfield has nuisance-based restrictions only; no explicit residential chicken ban. Chickens permitted if they do not create nuisance conditions.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Springfield?
Yes, with conditions — Springfield allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Sec 1124.03 (Zoning Code, Chapter 1124 Animal Regulations)).
How many chickens can I keep in Springfield?
It depends on your lot. No flat hen cap identified; governed by Table 1124.03.1 (animal-unit system) plus zone- and lot-size-dependent rooster/setback rules. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Springfield?
5 feet minimum. Coop required (fowl may not be kept inside a dwelling); min. 4 sqft indoor space and 8 sqft outdoor roaming area per fowl; confined to coop 6pm-6am; coop min. 5ft from side property line, 10ft from rear line, 30ft from any dwelling on an adjacent lot; predator-proof, clean, odor-free. Roosters prohibited on R-LD/R-HD zoning districts and lots under 1 acre; elsewhere 1 rooster per 8 fowl allowed with 100ft setback from any adjacent dwelling. Outdoor slaughter of fowl is prohibited.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Springfield?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Springfield's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Springfield?
Sec 1124.03 (Zoning Code, Chapter 1124 Animal Regulations). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Sec 1124.03 (Zoning Code, Chapter 1124 Animal Regulations) — read the official code
“Coops shall be located at least five feet from any side property line and at least ten feet from any rear property line.” source
“Roosters are prohibited on all R-LD and R-HD properties and those lots less than one acre.” source
Last verified July 5, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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