Milwaukee County does not regulate livestock; municipal zoning controls. The City of Milwaukee prohibits harboring, raising or possessing fowl, cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, turkeys, geese or pigeons except at places approved by the Health Officer.
Livestock keeping in Milwaukee County is governed by each municipality's zoning code, not the county. The City of Milwaukee broadly bars farm animals: no person shall harbor, raise or possess fowl, cows, cattle, horses, sheep, swine, goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons or other domesticated livestock, except at places approved by the Health Officer. A narrow, separately permitted exception allows up to four backyard hens. Suburban municipalities with more open land generally allow some livestock in agricultural or large-lot zoning districts, subject to acreage minimums, setbacks and nuisance limits in their own ordinances. Residents should confirm their municipal zoning designation before keeping horses, goats or other livestock.
Keeping prohibited livestock in the City of Milwaukee without Health Officer approval is a Chapter 78 violation; Neighborhood Services may cite and order removal. In suburbs that permit livestock, acreage and setback violations are enforced by that city's zoning office.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Milwaukee County, WI
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Milwaukee County, WI
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Milwaukee County, WI
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Milwaukee County, WI
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Milwaukee County, WI
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Milwaukee County, WI
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See how Milwaukee County's livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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