Can I keep chickens in Kenosha, WI?
Yes, with conditions — Kenosha allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City of Kenosha Ordinance 14.02 (Backyard Chicken Coop License), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($200) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear yard only; >=16 sq ft floor space per chicken, with >=3 sq ft per chicken covered by a watertight covering; max coop height 6 ft; coops over 120 sq ft need a building permit; no enclosure within 25 ft of an adjacent residential structure. |
| Code section | City of Kenosha Ordinance 14.02 (Backyard Chicken Coop License) |
Kenosha allows up to 4 hens (no roosters) only on single-family residential properties, under a $200/year license that requires a public-safety committee review and neighbor notification. Slaughtering and commercial sale of chickens/eggs/manure are prohibited. Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 25 feet from adjacent residential structures.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Kenosha?
Yes, with conditions — Kenosha allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City of Kenosha Ordinance 14.02 (Backyard Chicken Coop License)).
How many chickens can I keep in Kenosha?
Up to 4 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Kenosha?
Yes — Kenosha requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $200).
Are roosters allowed in Kenosha?
No — roosters are prohibited in Kenosha.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Kenosha?
25 feet minimum. Coop in rear yard only; >=16 sq ft floor space per chicken, with >=3 sq ft per chicken covered by a watertight covering; max coop height 6 ft; coops over 120 sq ft need a building permit; no enclosure within 25 ft of an adjacent residential structure.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Kenosha?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Kenosha's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Kenosha?
City of Kenosha Ordinance 14.02 (Backyard Chicken Coop License). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City of Kenosha Ordinance 14.02 (Backyard Chicken Coop License) — read the official code
“Chickens are only allowed on single family dwelling properties. Duplex, triplex, quadplex, multifamily properties and mobile home/RV parks are expressly prohibited from having chickens under this ordinance.” source
“Coops must provide floor space of at least sixteen (16) square feet per chicken; at least three (3) square feet per chicken of the enclosure must be covered with a watertight covering. Maximum height of a chicken coop (accessory structure) shall be six (6) feet.” source
“Number of chickens sought to be kept on licensed premises: (No more than 4, per ordinance)” source
“BACKYARD CHICKEN COOP LICENSE CITY ORDINANCE 14.02 Fee: $200.00/Year” 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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