Portage County, WI Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Sec. 7.1.6(1)(a)19 of the Portage County Zoning ordinance permits raising chickens and ducks in the R1, R2, R3 and R5 Residence Zoning Districts, subject to detailed conditions. Only egg-laying chickens and ducks qualify; guinea hens, turkeys, peacocks and other fowl not kept for egg production are excluded, and roosters and drakes are prohibited outright. Birds must be kept in a fully enclosed coop no larger than 120 square feet of floor space and no taller than 10 feet at the side wall, with a design and color that complements the residence; the coop must sit back at least 50 feet from any adjoining property line and 100 feet from any neighboring residence.

Chicken runs are allowed but must be fully enclosed to prevent escapes, coops and runs must sit at least 50 feet from any well, no more than 12 chickens or ducks total are allowed, and slaughtering or butchering on site, along with commercial egg sales, is prohibited. Sec. 7.1.2(1)(b)9 confirms egg-laying chickens and ducks are a permitted use in the R1, R2 and R5 residential districts specifically, subject to following Sec. 7.1.6(1)(a)19. These standards only apply within the 15 towns that have adopted county zoning; incorporated cities and villages such as Stevens Point and Plover set their own poultry rules.