Chickens & Livestock: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa
How do chickens & livestock rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?
Milwaukee and Wauwatosa have similar restriction levels.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee allows up to four hens (no roosters) per household with a $35 annual Keeping of Fowl license from the Department of Neighborhood Services. Goats and livestock are prohibited.
View full Milwaukee rules →Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin's right-to-farm law (Wis. Stat. 823.08) and Livestock Facility Siting Law (Wis. Stat. 93.90) limit municipal authority to restrict agricultural operations and standardize permitting for livestock facilities statewide.
View full Wauwatosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa |
|---|---|---|
| Max Hens | 4 | - |
| Roosters | Banned | - |
| License Fee | $35 annual | - |
| Coop Setback | 25 feet | - |
| Siting law | - | Wis. Stat. 93.90 |
| Right to farm | - | Wis. Stat. 823.08 |
| Threshold | - | 500+ animal units |
| Standards | - | ATCP 51 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
Wauwatosa FAQ
Can my Wisconsin city ban backyard chickens?
Yes for small numbers in residential zones. State preemption under 93.90 only covers livestock facilities with 500+ animal units, so cities retain authority over hobby flocks.
Does state law protect existing farms from nuisance suits?
Yes. Wis. Stat. 823.08 provides a defense to nuisance claims for agricultural operations meeting state standards, even when neighbors later complain about odor or noise.
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