Racine, WI Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permit

Coop Ready Wisconsin Racine

Allowed with a permit

Yes, with a permit. Racine allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.

Single-family homes only; no duplexes, condos or apartments. Hen house needs 3 sq ft per bird and the pen 7 sq ft per bird, with one nest box per 2 hens. No selling eggs, and slaughter only at a licensed facility; renters need the owner's signed consent.

Hen limit

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Yes: $55 per year Health Department chicken permit (includes inspection), plus an $80 building permit

Coop placement

Coop and pen at least 25 ft from a neighbor's home, 2 ft from side and rear lot lines, 5 ft from your own house; back yard only; 75 ft from lakes and streams

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Racine rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Racine?

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 Racine rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Racine

How many chickens can I have in Racine?

Up to 4 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Racine?

No. Racine bans roosters on typical home lots.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Racine?

Yes. You need $55 per year Health Department chicken permit (includes inspection), plus an $80 building permit.

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Racine?

Where the coop can go in Racine: coop and pen at least 25 ft from a neighbor's home, 2 ft from side and rear lot lines, 5 ft from your own house; back yard only; 75 ft from lakes and streams.