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

060 CHICKENS/FOWL governs backyard flocks in the unincorporated county's R-1 Low Density Residential and R-2 Multi-Family Residential districts. Roosters are prohibited outright (division (A)), and on-site slaughter is banned except for humane reasons (division (B)). Birds must be kept strictly for personal use and confined to a coop or fenced run at all times (division (C)). The coop itself must sit behind the rear plane of the existing dwelling, at least ten feet from the side and rear property lines, and at least 30 feet from any structure on an adjoining parcel such as a dwelling, patio, porch, gazebo, deck, or pool (though not from unattached garages or sheds).

It must be covered, ventilated against weather and predators, provide a minimum of four square feet per chicken, and cannot be powered by an extension cord. A fenced enclosure or run must provide ten square feet per chicken, sit at least ten feet from side or rear lot lines, and maintain a 50-foot lateral setback from any well in clay or loam soils (the County Health Department can help set the distance for other soil types). Coops and runs must be cleaned regularly to stay free of waste that causes detectable odors on neighboring properties (division (D)), and feed must be stored in tightly fitted, rodent-proof containers (division (E)). 005's definitions (division (F)). 447 (division (G)), added by Resolution LU-25-06, passed June 26, 2025.