The keeping of backyard chickens is becoming increasingly popular in many states, including Illinois. One of the benefits you get from owning backyard chickens is fresh, nutritious eggs. That said, not every Illinois city allows urban chicken keeping. The City of Aurora, for example, does not allow backyard chickens in non-agricultural areas. Therefore, if you live in a residential area in Illinois and are considering owning chickens, be sure to check the rules and regulations in your city or town. Even in cities where chickens are allowed, HOAs have the authority to ban them within their bylaws. So, check with your HOA or landlord if you happen to be a tenant. Meanwhile, I've put together a list of the top ten major Illinois municipalities that permit backyard chickens.
1. Chicago, IL
Keeping chickens as pets and for eggs (humanely, cleanly, appropriately) is perfectly legal in residential districts within Chicago. The number and type of chickens per household are not restricted. However, keeping chickens to slaughter for food is prohibited, according to the City Code. Additionally, you must make sure your chickens do not create public health issues or become a public nuisance.
2. Naperville, IL
Chickens are allowed to be kept in any area in the City of Naperville, IL. However, you're required to keep your chickens within a pen or coop, sufficient in size and strength to confine the birds to your property. According to the City's municipal code, a maximum of 8 chickens is permitted per property. Roosters are prohibited and so is the keeping of hens within 30 feet of neighboring residences. All chicken owners are required to maintain their hen houses and surrounding areas in a clean and sanitary condition at all times.
3. Elgin, IL
In the city of Elgin, IL, a backyard chicken-keeping license is required to keep chickens. According to the city's website, you must work with City of Elgin community development staff. This is to make sure your property meets the minimum requirements. Additionally, you will be required to submit plans for your chicken coop, after which you'll build and obtain a final coop inspection before being issued a chicken license. Under the license, a maximum of four female chickens is permitted to be kept. Slaughtering of chickens as well as the keeping of roosters is prohibited. Hens must always be contained within a coop or enclosure, which must be located at least 25 feet from your neighbors and not visible from the street.
4. Springfield, IL
The keeping of backyard chickens for noncommercial purposes is completely legal in the City of Springfield, IL. According to the Illinois Times, roosters aren't allowed and hens must be kept in a coop or fenced-in yard. The number of hens you can keep in Springfield, IL is not restricted.
5. Champaign, IL
You can have backyard chickens in Champaign, IL, provided you obtain a coop license. However, you must be a resident of a single-family or two-family home to be eligible for a coop license. Under the license, up to six female chickens are allowed. According to the city's website, your chicken coop must provide at least 4 square feet of floor space per hen. Runs, on the other hand, must provide at least 8 square feet of ground space per hen and be covered on all sides, including the top.
6. Evanston, IL
To own backyard chickens in Evanston, IL, a Hen Coop License is required. Under the license, a maximum of 6 and a minimum of 2 hens are allowed per coop. Residents living in apartment or condominium buildings are not eligible to apply for the license. Roosters are banned and you must keep your hens in such a way as not to cause a nuisance. Your hen yard or coop must be large enough to provide at least 4 feet of ground space per hen. Additionally, your hen yard or coop must not be located within 10 feet of the nearest wall of the principal building.
7. Decatur, IL
You can own backyard chickens in Decatur, IL, provided your chicken coop isn't located within 50 feet of neighboring residences. In addition, your chicken coop must not be located in the front or side yard. You must maintain your chicken coop in a sanitary manner to prevent any offensive odor, according to the City Code.
8. Palatine, IL
In the Village of Palatine, IL, you're required to obtain a Backyard Chicken Keeping License from the Village Manager to own chickens. Only single-family residences zoned R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, and R-2 are eligible for the license. Chicken coops, runs, or other structures are required by the Village Code to be located in the rear yard. Additionally, chicken coops and runs must provide at least 4 square feet of floor space for each chicken kept therein. Roosters are not allowed and the maximum number of hens allowed per licensed premises is 6.
9. Des Plaines, IL
Under certain conditions, the keeping of backyard chickens is permitted in Des Plaines, IL. According to the city's municipal code, you must obtain a $35 permit from the Department of Community and Economic Development to own chickens. In addition, you must present a certificate proving that you've received best practice and training information from the City. Only single-family residences located in the R-1 Zoning District are eligible for the permit. Under the permit, a maximum of six hens are permitted per zoning lot. Slaughtering of chickens isn't allowed and hens must be kept in an enclosure and provided a coop.
10. Lombard, IL
Backyard chickens keeping is allowed in Lombard, IL, subject to certain zoning requirements. Chickens are allowed to be kept only on properties zoned R0, R1, or R2 Districts; and occupied for single-family residential use. The maximum number of chickens allowed per property is 6, excluding roosters. According to the Village Code, the sale of eggs is prohibited and so is the slaughtering of chickens. A chicken coop permit is required.
