O'Fallon Code Section 94.01(M) lists 'any swine, goats, horses or chickens' as a nuisance animal when kept inside city limits unless on land zoned Agricultural District or Rural Residential District. Backyard chickens are therefore prohibited in standard single-family residential zones. Existing-owner exceptions and city-council reform proposals have been discussed but the prohibition remains in force.
O'Fallon (pop. 32,184, St. Clair County, Illinois) regulates animals through Title IX, Chapter 94 (Nuisances) of its Municipal Code at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ofallon/. Section 94.01(M) states: 'It is unlawful for any person to own or possess any swine, goats, horses or chickens within the city, unless within a zoned Agricultural District or Rural Residential District.' This creates an effective citywide ban on backyard chickens in standard R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones. The provision conflicts with Title IX Chapter 90.01(4) and 90.07, which classify poultry as 'domestic animals' rather than restricted livestock — but Section 94.01(M) controls as the more specific provision. Residents on lots zoned 'A' (Agricultural) or 'RR' (Rural Residential), generally on the outer edges of the city, may keep chickens subject to setbacks and humane treatment under Chapter 90. The O'Fallon City Council has held citizen-petition discussions about amending the ordinance to permit a small number of hens (no roosters) on standard residential lots, but as of 2026 no amendment has been adopted.
Violations of Chapter 94 are punishable by fines of $75-$750 per occurrence under O'Fallon Code Section 10.99. Code Enforcement may issue a notice to remove birds within a stated period; failure to comply results in daily continuing fines and possible municipal court action.
See how O'Fallon's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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