Can I keep chickens in Evanston, WY?
Yes — Evanston allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 40 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl (Hen Coop License provisions), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 40 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop at least 10 ft from property line and 40 ft from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business; minimum 4 sq ft per hen; apartments and condos ineligible |
| Code section | Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl (Hen Coop License provisions) |
Evanston allows up to 6 hens (no roosters) with an annual $50 hen coop license. Coops must be at least 40 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling and 10 feet from the property line. Apartment and condominium residents are ineligible; applicants must notify neighbors.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Evanston?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Evanston (Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl (Hen Coop License provisions)).
How many chickens can I keep in Evanston?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Evanston?
Yes — Evanston requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Evanston?
No — roosters are prohibited in Evanston.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Evanston?
40 feet minimum. Coop at least 10 ft from property line and 40 ft from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business; minimum 4 sq ft per hen; apartments and condos ineligible
What law covers backyard chickens in Evanston?
Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl (Hen Coop License provisions). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl (Hen Coop License provisions) — read the official code
“A hen coop license is required by any person desiring to keep hens on their property in the City of Evanston, with a calendar year term and a $50 per application fee.” source
“A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 hens are allowed per coop. Coops must be located at least ten (10) feet from the property line and at least forty (40) feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school, or place of business.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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