Evanston, IL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Chapter 8-3-8 defines "wild/feral mammal and/or bird" broadly as any mammal or bird "not generally considered domesticated," naming gray and ground squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, skunks, pigeons, sparrows, mourning doves, starlings and crows as examples, while leaving the category open to cover other wild visitors like geese and deer. Section 8-3-8-2 is the core rule: all feed, meaning birdseed, corn, bread, food scraps or any similar material that wildlife could eat, must go inside an "approved container, receptacle or feeder," not loose on the ground.

Section 8-3-8-3 then caps how many feeders a residential or business lot may run at once: four hanging feeders, two suet feeders, two water dispensers and one platform feeder, with hummingbird feeders unlimited. Section 8-3-8-4 limits every feeder's base to four hundred (400) square inches and requires a design that minimizes spillage. Platform feeders draw extra rules under Section 8-3-8-5: no more than one pound of feed on the platform at a time, a lip at least one inch high around the whole platform, and all uneaten food removed before sunset each day unless the feeder has a tight-closing cover that gets closed at sunset instead. Section 8-3-8-6 requires every feeder to sit at least five feet (5') inside the property line, and Section 8-3-8-7 bars unused food, food waste or animal droppings from accumulating to the point of becoming foul, putrid or an attractant to rodents, vermin or insects.

Section 8-3-8-8 sets the penalty: a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) and not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or community service, for any violation of the chapter.