Fitchburg, WI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Animal husbandry density (R-L)
- 25% of one animal unit/acre
- One animal unit equals
- 100 poultry, or 1 cow, etc.
- Small domestic animals
- Under ~30 lbs (dogs/cats separate)
- Beekeeping
- Permitted with zoning-administrator permit, § 22-56(14)b
- R-R rural district
- 1 animal unit/acre, 2-acre minimum
- Penalty
- $100/day forfeiture
Summary
Fitchburg's R-L zoning code allows limited animal husbandry, including poultry, up to 25 percent of one animal unit per acre, where one animal unit equals 100 poultry under the code's definitions. Dogs, cats and small domesticated animals under about 30 pounds are separately permitted.
(13)Domesticated animals, other than dogs and cats, with a maximum weight of generally less than 30 pounds.(14)Limited animal husbandry:a.Not exceeding 25 percent of one animal unit per acre or a pro-rated portion of an acre.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30).
Full Breakdown
Fitchburg City Code § 22-56(13)-(14) governs animal keeping as an accessory occupancy in the R-L Low Density District. Subsection (13) permits domesticated animals other than dogs and cats with a maximum weight of generally less than 30 pounds. Subsection (14)a permits 'limited animal husbandry' at a density not exceeding 25 percent of one animal unit per acre, or a pro-rated share of an acre for smaller lots. The zoning code's definitions section, § 22-651, sets the conversion that makes this workable for chicken keepers: one animal unit equals one cow, four hogs, ten sheep, ten goats, 100 poultry, one horse, one pony, one mule, or 100 rabbits, so a full-acre R-L lot can support roughly 25 head of poultry under the 25 percent standard.
The same definitions section limits 'animal husbandry' to rabbits, poultry, beekeeping and fish farming conducted by a resident on site, and excludes animals that live in or about human habitation and depend on people for food or shelter. Beekeeping gets its own detailed permit track under § 22-56(14)b, including hive-count limits and a zoning-administrator permit. The Rural Density (R-R) district is more permissive: § 22-206(3) allows one animal unit per full acre on lots of at least two acres, with any livestock structure kept at least 100 feet from a residential district other than R-R.
Violations & Fines
Keeping animals above the density allowed in a district is a Chapter 22 zoning violation, and beekeeping without the required zoning-administrator permit under § 22-56(14)b(4) is a separate violation. The zoning administrator investigates complaints and can demand the excess animals be removed or the operation brought into compliance; § 22-648(d)(2) sets a forfeiture of $100.00 per day for noncompliance. An unresolved violation can be referred to the city attorney for prosecution or an injunction. Beekeeping permits can also be revoked outright under § 22-56(14)b(4)D if a hive becomes a health or safety threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens in Fitchburg's R-L district?
Do I need a permit to keep backyard chickens?
How many farm animals can I keep on a small lot?
Are the animal rules different outside the R-L district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fitchburg
How Fitchburg compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Fitchburg to another location·View the Wisconsin animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Chickens & Livestock in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle chickens & livestock.