Can I keep chickens in Racine, WI?
Yes, with conditions — Racine 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. (Racine Municipal Code Sec. 10-6 (Urban chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hen house >=3 sq ft per bird; chicken pen >=7 sq ft per bird; 1 nest box per 2 birds. Back yard only; covered/fenced enclosure at least 25 ft from a neighboring principal residence, 2 ft from side/rear lot lines, 5 ft from the keeper's own residence; at least 75 ft from any lake/river/stream high-water mark. |
| Code section | Racine Municipal Code Sec. 10-6 (Urban chickens) |
Racine allows a maximum of 4 chickens (no roosters) on single-family residential properties only, with a permit from the Public Health Department required before acquiring the birds. Slaughtering is prohibited unless processed at a licensed facility, and coops must be in the back yard, 25 ft from a neighboring residence and 75 ft from any waterway. Commercial breeding/sale is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Racine?
Yes, with conditions — Racine allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Racine Municipal Code Sec. 10-6 (Urban chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Racine?
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 Racine?
Yes — Racine requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Racine?
No — roosters are prohibited in Racine.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Racine?
25 feet minimum. Hen house >=3 sq ft per bird; chicken pen >=7 sq ft per bird; 1 nest box per 2 birds. Back yard only; covered/fenced enclosure at least 25 ft from a neighboring principal residence, 2 ft from side/rear lot lines, 5 ft from the keeper's own residence; at least 75 ft from any lake/river/stream high-water mark.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Racine?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Racine's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Racine?
Racine Municipal Code Sec. 10-6 (Urban chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Racine Municipal Code Sec. 10-6 (Urban chickens) — read the official code
“Chickens may only be kept at single-family residential properties. No chicken may be kept at mobile homes, condominiums, apartment complexes, duplexes, or any other multiple-family property.” source
“The minimum size requirements for a hen house are three square feet per bird, with seven square feet per bird in a chicken pen. One nest box is required per every two birds.” source
“The maximum number of chickens that may be kept on any residential property is four.” source
“Any person who keeps chickens in the City of Racine shall obtain a permit from the City of Racine Public Health Department prior to acquiring the chickens by completing the application for a chicken permit form.” 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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