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St. Clair County, IL Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

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

Key Facts

'A' district
Livestock raising permitted
RR district
Livestock/poultry/farm animals
Horses (RR)
20,000 sq ft per animal
SR district
No livestock
State protection
Right-to-farm 505 ILCS 5

Summary

Livestock is a zoning matter in unincorporated St. Clair County. The 'A' Agricultural Industry and RR Rural Residential districts permit raising livestock, poultry and farm animals; horses need 20,000 sq ft per animal in RR. Single-family residential districts do not allow livestock.

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

All uses commonly classified as agriculture... including... livestock raising; animal and poultry breeding, raising, and feeding; fisheries; forestry operations... but not including stockyards or agricultural product processing plants for other than agricultural use.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The St. Clair County Zoning Code 'A' Agricultural Industry District (40-4-2) permits 'livestock raising; animal and poultry breeding, raising, and feeding.' The RR Rural Residential Districts (40-4-7) permit 'raising or maintenance of livestock, poultry, or farm animals,' and horses kept for private (non-commercial) use require at least 20,000 square feet of lot area per animal. The district's intent (40-4-1) recognizes land 'well suited to the raising of crops and domestic animals.' Standard SR single-family residential districts permit only domestic household pets - no livestock. Illinois' right-to-farm protections (505 ILCS 5) further shield established agricultural operations. Inside incorporated municipalities, the city or village ordinance governs livestock.

Violations & Fines

Keeping livestock in a district where it is not permitted is a zoning-code violation enforced by the St. Clair County Zoning Department through notice, abatement orders and zoning penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I raise goats or cattle on my property?
Yes if your unincorporated parcel is zoned 'A' Agricultural or RR Rural Residential, where livestock raising is a permitted use. SR single-family residential lots do not allow livestock.
Are horses treated differently?
In RR districts, horses for private use are allowed but require at least 20,000 square feet of lot area per animal. Boarding horses for rent or hire is an 'A'-district use.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Clair County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All St. Clair County rules

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

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