Can I keep chickens in Janesville, WI?
Yes — Janesville allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Janesville Code of Ordinances Ch. 8 (Animals) - residential chicken provisions, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($70) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and run in rear yard; coop max 24 sq ft (min 3 sq ft/bird), run attached/contiguous max 40 sq ft; coop/run at least 10 ft from rear wall of house, at least 10 ft from any property line, and at least 18 ft from an adjacent property's house. Chickens kept in coop/run at all times. |
| Code section | Janesville Code of Ordinances Ch. 8 (Animals) - residential chicken provisions |
Janesville allows up to 4 female chickens on residential property with a single-family residence, under an annual residential chicken premises permit ($70 initial, $45 renewal); no roosters and home slaughter is prohibited (licensed facilities only). DATCP premises registration required; coop/run must meet size and setback rules.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Janesville?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Janesville (Janesville Code of Ordinances Ch. 8 (Animals) - residential chicken provisions).
How many chickens can I keep in Janesville?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Janesville?
Yes — Janesville requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $70).
Are roosters allowed in Janesville?
No — roosters are prohibited in Janesville.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Janesville?
10 feet minimum. Coop and run in rear yard; coop max 24 sq ft (min 3 sq ft/bird), run attached/contiguous max 40 sq ft; coop/run at least 10 ft from rear wall of house, at least 10 ft from any property line, and at least 18 ft from an adjacent property's house. Chickens kept in coop/run at all times.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Janesville?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Janesville's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Janesville?
Janesville Code of Ordinances Ch. 8 (Animals) - residential chicken provisions. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Janesville Code of Ordinances Ch. 8 (Animals) - residential chicken provisions — read the official code
“Coops cannot exceed 24 square feet in size with a minimum of 3 square feet per bird. Runs must be attached and contiguous to the coop and may not exceed 40 square feet.” source
“If your property is zoned residential and includes one single-family residence, you can keep up to four female chickens on your property.” source
“Pay the initial $70 permit fee and the annual $45 renewal fee each year thereafter.” source
“Interested individuals must acquire an annual residential chicken premises permit before obtaining chickens or constructing a coop and run.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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