Chicago allows backyard chickens with no limit on hens and no permit required. Roosters prohibited. Coops must be 5 feet from property lines. Livestock prohibited in residential zones.
Chicago regulates backyard poultry and livestock by zoning district. Residential zones may allow limited hens (typically 4 to 6) with no roosters. Coops must meet setback requirements from neighboring homes. Sanitary conditions required. Larger livestock such as goats, horses, and cattle restricted to agricultural or large-lot residential zones. IL Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5) provides statewide framework. HOAs commonly prohibit all livestock and poultry.
Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $50 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal required.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
Chicago, IL
Chicago requires Department of Buildings permits for outdoor kitchens with gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under MCC Chapter 14A. Trade work must ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle chickens & livestock.
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