Evanston generally prohibits keeping livestock including goats, sheep, horses, pigs, and cattle on residential property. The city's zoning code restricts animal husbandry to appropriately zoned areas. Chickens are allowed under specific permit conditions, but larger livestock animals are not permitted in residential zoning districts. The city follows Cook County health regulations for animal keeping.
Evanston's zoning ordinance does not permit livestock keeping in residential districts (R1 through R6). Livestock includes horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, mules, and similar farm animals. These animals are associated with agricultural uses that are incompatible with Evanston's dense suburban residential character. The city's animal ordinance under Title 9 reinforces that animals creating a nuisance through noise, odor, or unsanitary conditions are prohibited. While backyard chickens have been permitted under specific conditions (hens only, no roosters, with a permit), larger livestock does not qualify for residential keeping. Potbelly pigs are generally classified as swine and are not permitted in residential zones. Miniature goats and similar trending small livestock are also prohibited without a special variance. Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control regulations apply to all animal keeping within Evanston. Any request for livestock in a residential area would require a zoning variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is rarely granted for livestock in established residential neighborhoods.
Keeping livestock in a residential zone is a zoning violation subject to fines of $100 to $750 per day. The city will issue a notice of violation requiring removal of the animals within a specified timeframe, typically 10 to 30 days. Failure to remove animals results in escalating daily fines. Animals may be impounded by animal control if they pose health or safety concerns. Cook County may also impose separate penalties for unsanitary animal keeping conditions.
Evanston, IL
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Evanston, IL
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Evanston, IL
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Evanston, IL
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Evanston, IL
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Evanston, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle livestock.
See how Evanston's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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