Can I keep chickens in Wausau, WI?
Yes, with conditions — Wausau allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 4 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Wausau Municipal Code Title 8 (Animals), chicken-keeping provisions (Ch. 8.08), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($35) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop/run in rear yard only; at least 10 ft from any property line and at least 25 ft from any principal residential structure on an adjacent lot; at least 3 sq ft per chicken, max 24 sq ft total; moisture-resistant, raised or on hard surface, predator/rodent-proof, ventilated. |
| Code section | Wausau Municipal Code Title 8 (Animals), chicken-keeping provisions (Ch. 8.08) |
Wausau allows up to 4 hens (no roosters) only on lots in specified single-family, two-flat, or multi-family residential zoning districts (SR-2/3/5/7, TF-10, MR-12/20/50), making it zone-dependent. A chicken-keeping permit ($35) and state livestock premises registration are required; the coop must be in the rear yard, 10 ft from property lines and 25 ft from adjacent homes, and no on-site slaughter is allowed.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Wausau?
Yes, with conditions — Wausau allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Wausau Municipal Code Title 8 (Animals), chicken-keeping provisions (Ch. 8.08)).
How many chickens can I keep in Wausau?
Up to 4 hens. 4 hens max, allowed only on lots zoned SR-2, SR-3, SR-5, SR-7, TF-10, MR-12, MR-20 or MR-50; other zones do not qualify.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Wausau?
Yes — Wausau requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $35).
Are roosters allowed in Wausau?
No — roosters are prohibited in Wausau.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Wausau?
10 feet minimum. Coop/run in rear yard only; at least 10 ft from any property line and at least 25 ft from any principal residential structure on an adjacent lot; at least 3 sq ft per chicken, max 24 sq ft total; moisture-resistant, raised or on hard surface, predator/rodent-proof, ventilated.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Wausau?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Wausau's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Wausau?
Wausau Municipal Code Title 8 (Animals), chicken-keeping provisions (Ch. 8.08). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Wausau Municipal Code Title 8 (Animals), chicken-keeping provisions (Ch. 8.08) — read the official code
“Chickens may only be kept at a residential zoning lot designated as SR-2, SR-3, SR-5, or SR-7 Single Family Residential, TF-10 Two-Flat Residential, or upon a lot designated MR-12, MR-20 or MR-50 Multi-Family Residential.” source
“Chicken coops and attached and contiguous runs shall be large enough to provide at least three square feet per chicken and cannot exceed a maximum of 24 square feet in size.” source
“No more than four hens or pullets are allowed on a premises.” source
“Mail your completed printed application, a copy of your Livestock Premises Registration, and $35 to the City Clerk's Office” 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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