Bloomington, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Section 44-1011 of the Bloomington Zoning Code allows keeping chickens as an accessory use on lots whose primary use is a single-family or two-family dwelling, or a preschool, private or public school, or boarding school. Lots of one acre or less may keep up to four chickens; lots larger than one acre may keep four chickens plus one additional chicken for every half acre beyond the first acre. Keeping roosters is prohibited outright, as is keeping chickens for slaughter, and any chicken-keeping use must also comply with Chapter 8, Animals and Fowl, and Chapter 22, Health and Sanitation, of the Bloomington City Code.

Chickens must be kept in a covered enclosure, or a fenced enclosure, at all times; a standard privacy fence around the yard does not satisfy this requirement on its own. Enclosures cannot sit in a front or side yard and must be set back at least 10 feet from every property line. Feed and other materials that could attract pests or become infested must be protected and properly stored. Every chicken-keeping use is also subject to the general accessory-use permitting requirements of Section 44-1716: the property owner must apply to the Development Services Department, pay the filing fee set in the City's Schedule of Fees, submit a site sketch showing setbacks, and register annually once the permit issues. The City must approve or deny a complete application within 30 days, and a denial can be appealed under Section 44-1712.