Can I keep chickens in Eau Claire, WI?
Yes, with conditions — Eau Claire allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($63) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Detached, stationary, exclusive-use coop in back/side yard; ventilated, insulated, roofed, moisture-resistant; hard cleanable floor (no dirt); max 64 sq ft floor, max 8 ft height; min 3 sq ft/bird; run fully wire-enclosed incl. overhead; 10 ft from abutting lot, 25 ft from residential structure on adjacent lot, 5 ft from own residence, 2 ft from all lot lines. |
| Code section | Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018) |
Eau Claire allows up to 5 hens (chickens or quail; no roosters/cocks/drakes) only on R-1 single-family lots (or R-2 with landlord/tenant consent) under an annual license requiring DATCP registration, neighbor notification, and coop inspection. Slaughter of up to 5 birds/year for personal use is permitted out of public view; off-site egg sales prohibited. License fee $63 plus $95 pre-inspection.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Eau Claire?
Yes, with conditions — Eau Claire allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018)).
How many chickens can I keep in Eau Claire?
Up to 5 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Eau Claire?
Yes — Eau Claire requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $63).
Are roosters allowed in Eau Claire?
No — roosters are prohibited in Eau Claire.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Eau Claire?
10 feet minimum. Detached, stationary, exclusive-use coop in back/side yard; ventilated, insulated, roofed, moisture-resistant; hard cleanable floor (no dirt); max 64 sq ft floor, max 8 ft height; min 3 sq ft/bird; run fully wire-enclosed incl. overhead; 10 ft from abutting lot, 25 ft from residential structure on adjacent lot, 5 ft from own residence, 2 ft from all lot lines.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Eau Claire?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018).
What law covers backyard chickens in Eau Claire?
Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Municipal Code Ch. 6.15 (Keeping of Poultry); Ord. 7307 (2018) — read the official code
“Poultry shall only be kept and maintained on a lot zoned R-1 and used as a single-family dwelling, except that poultry may be kept on a lot zoned R-2 if the applicant does all of the following” source
“The coop's structural floor area shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet, and the height of the coop shall not exceed eight (8) linear feet. All coops and attached structures shall be sized to provide a minimum of three (3) square feet per bird.” source
“Shall keep or maintain not more than five (5) total poultry.” source
“License Fee: $63.00 Pre-Inspection: $95.00” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →