Lake County, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size
- 10,000 sq ft
- Base hen limit
- 4 hens, no minimum lot
- Roosters
- Prohibited
- Coop space
- 3 sq ft per hen
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County allows hens on residential lots of 10,000+ sq ft, with headcount tied to lot size and roosters banned outright.
(S) Chickens. The keeping of hens, the female of the chicken species Gallus gailus domesticus, shall be permitted in single family residential zoning areas, on zoning lots of 10,000 square feet or greater... (4) Prohibitions and management practices. (a) Roosters. The keeping of roosters shall not be allowed on non-exempt property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
The county zoning code permits hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) on single-family residential lots of at least 10,000 square feet, as an accessory use. Headcount scales with lot size: 4 hens with no minimum, 6 at 10,000 sq ft, 8 at 20,000, 10 at 40,000, 12 at 80,000, and no cap at 200,000 sq ft or more. Hens need an enclosed coop (3 sq ft per hen, max 8 ft tall if freestanding) plus a fenced yard or run, and must be locked in the coop overnight. Roosters are prohibited. This applies only in unincorporated Lake County -- Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and other incorporated towns set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Coops and yards can't sit between the house and the street, alley, or road right-of-way, and must be 30+ feet from habitable structures on adjoining parcels. Feed must be kept in rodent-proof, tightly lidded containers, coops must be cleaned to prevent detectable odors on neighboring properties, and outdoor slaughter of chickens is banned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rooster in unincorporated Lake County?
How many hens can I keep on a 20,000 sq ft lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
How Lake County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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