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Champaign County, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Champaign & Urbana Hens
Up to six
Roosters
Prohibited
Coop License
$25 annually
Rural Livestock
Agricultural zoning

Summary

Both Champaign and Urbana allow up to six backyard hens, no roosters, with a $25 coop license. Rural, unincorporated Champaign County is farm country where livestock is a normal permitted agricultural use under county zoning.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Champaign County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All owners of companion animals and livestock shall prevent said animal from running at large in any unincorporated areas of the County. Any animal found to be running at large in such an area shall be deemed a nuisance and may be impounded.

Source: Illinois Compiled StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Backyard poultry is settled and welcome in the twin cities. The City of Champaign and the City of Urbana each permit up to six hens, ban roosters, and require a $25 annual coop license, with coops kept in the rear yard and set back from property lines. Larger livestock such as goats, horses, and cattle belong in the surrounding unincorporated county, overwhelmingly corn-and-soybean farmland where keeping livestock is an ordinary agricultural use under the Champaign County Zoning Ordinance. Owners must still keep animals from running at large; the county animal-control ordinance treats a companion animal or livestock loose in an unincorporated area as a nuisance subject to impoundment.

Violations & Fines

Keeping hens without the required city coop license, or keeping a rooster, draws a municipal citation and can force removal. Under the county ordinance, livestock allowed to run at large in unincorporated areas is a nuisance and may be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep chickens in Champaign or Urbana?
Yes. Both cities allow up to six hens, no roosters, with a $25 annual coop license and a rear-yard coop set back from property lines.
Where can I keep goats or horses?
In the unincorporated county, not on a city lot. Champaign County's rural farmland permits livestock as an agricultural use under the county zoning ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Champaign County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsFew RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Champaign County rules

How Champaign County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Champaign County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview

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