Bloomington, IN Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Indiana Bloomington

Allowed with a permit

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

One flock per property in any residential or mixed-use zone, and you must get the permit before getting birds. Coop and run together need 12 sq ft per bird, with a 4 ft fence or hedge screen if neighbors can see them.

Hen limit

5

Roosters

Banned

Permit

Yes: free yearly permit from Animal Care and Control, after a coop inspection

Coop placement

Coop and run at least 12 ft from any neighboring property line and 20 ft from any neighbor's home

Source linked These rules come from the source linked below. Confirm current details with the city.

Read the official Bloomington rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Bloomington?

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 Bloomington rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Bloomington

How many chickens can I have in Bloomington?

Up to 5 hens on a typical home lot.

Are roosters allowed in Bloomington?

No. A Bloomington flock may have up to 5 hens and no roosters.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Bloomington?

Yes. Bloomington requires a free yearly flock permit from Animal Care and Control, issued after a coop inspection.

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

Where the coop can go in Bloomington: coop and run at least 12 ft from any neighboring property line and 20 ft from any neighbor's home.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Bloomington allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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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 Bloomington before you build.