Chickens & Livestock: Madison vs Middleton
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison MGO 9.52 allows up to 4 hens per residential property with a chicken license. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must meet setback and sanitation standards, and neighbor notification is required.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Madison General Ordinance §9.52 allows up to 4 chicken hens per residential property with $10 license; roosters banned. Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton allow backyard hens with permits. Dane County Zoning Ch. 10 reserves larger livestock to ag districts. WI §93.90 Right to Farm protects ag operations.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Max Hens | 4 per lot | - |
| Roosters | Prohibited | Prohibited Madison |
| License | Required via City Clerk | - |
| Setback | 25 feet typical | - |
| Code | MGO 9.52 | - |
| Madison Hens | - | 4 max, MGO §9.52 |
| License Fee | - | $10/year Madison |
| Coop Setback | - | 25 ft residences |
| Right to Farm | - | WI §93.90 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I have roosters in Madison?
No. Roosters are prohibited under MGO 9.52. Hens only, maximum 4.
Do I have to tell my neighbors I am getting chickens?
Yes. The chicken license application requires you to notify adjacent property owners.
Middleton FAQ
How many chickens can I keep in Madison?
Up to 4 hens under MGO §9.52. No roosters. $10 annual license from the City Clerk. Coop must be 25 feet from neighboring residences.
Can my neighbor sue over farm smells in rural Dane County?
Pre-existing agricultural operations have strong protection under WI §93.90 Right to Farm and §823.08 agricultural nuisance defense. New neighbors cannot easily force changes.
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