De Pere, WI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

City Code § 86-4(a)(1) prohibits keeping any rooster, fowl other than chicken, turkeys, ducks, geese, cows, cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats or pot-bellied pigs, and any other domesticated livestock within the city, unless the animal is part of an authorized agricultural operation under the zoning ordinance or, for chickens specifically, licensed under § 86-5(g). That section lets a resident keep up to four hens with a permit from the city clerk, valid January 1 through December 31 for a fee set by council resolution and pegged to the spayed/neutered dog or cat license fee.

Only a record titleholder, or an occupant with the owner's written consent, may apply, and only one permit issues per R-1 or R-2 zoned parcel; the applicant must also register the location with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection under Wis. 51. No rooster is ever permitted, and only a licensed meat processor may slaughter a chicken within city limits; backyard slaughter is prohibited. Chickens must have fresh water and adequate feed at all times, be kept in a sanitary, adequately sized coop providing at least four square feet per bird, and must not free-range outside the coop or an attached run.

The coop cannot sit closer than 25 feet to a neighboring principal residence, cannot be located in any setback area, and cannot go in a front or side yard even outside the setback. Selling eggs or chicks from a permitted flock is banned under § 86-5(g)(6). The health officer can revoke a permit for noncompliance, and once revoked a permit will not be reissued.