Coop Ready Wisconsin Madison
Allowed with a permit
Yes, with a permit. Madison allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.
Allowed on lots with up to 4 homes. Hens must stay in a covered enclosure or a fenced enclosure at all times, and slaughter on site is banned. Renters must notify the owner and all residents; apply within 30 days of getting chickens and renew before January 1.
Hen limit
8
Roosters
Banned
Permit
Yes: $10 per year city chicken license, plus free state livestock premises registration
Coop placement
Coop or enclosure at least 25 ft from any home on a neighboring lot
Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.
Read the official Madison rules ↗ Checked October 2026.
Will your coop fit in Madison?
Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Madison rules above. Free, no account.
Backyard chicken questions in Madison
How many chickens can I have in Madison?
Up to 8 hens on a typical home lot.
Are roosters allowed in Madison?
No. Madison bans roosters on typical home lots.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Madison?
Yes. Madison requires a $10 annual chicken license, applied for within 30 days of getting your hens.
How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Madison?
Where the coop can go in Madison: coop or enclosure at least 25 ft from any home on a neighboring lot.
Can my HOA ban chickens if Madison allows them?
Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.
More Wisconsin cities
More from Coop Ready
- Rooster laws by city
- Cities that ban chickens
- HOA chicken rules
- Coop setback rules
- Permit site plan checklist
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- California chicken laws
- Colorado chicken laws
- Florida chicken laws
- Georgia chicken laws
- Oregon chicken laws
- Texas chicken laws
- Washington chicken laws
See every city on Coop Ready → · Coop size calculator · Chicken laws study · Backyard chickens 101
Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Madison before you build.
