Can I keep chickens in Champaign, IL?
Yes — Champaign allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited. (7-19 (Ch. 7, Art. I - Animals and Fowl), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only; single-family and two-family dwellings only; coop minimum 4 sq ft per hen; run minimum 8 sq ft per hen, covered on all sides including top. License auto-renews with no additional fee if no enforcement actions. |
| Code section | 7-19 (Ch. 7, Art. I - Animals and Fowl) |
Champaign passed an ordinance on December 3, 2013 allowing up to 6 hens in residential rear yards. A $25 annual coop license is required, roosters are prohibited, and only single-family and two-family dwelling residents are eligible.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Champaign?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Champaign (7-19 (Ch. 7, Art. I - Animals and Fowl)).
How many chickens can I keep in Champaign?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Champaign?
Yes — Champaign requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Champaign?
No — roosters are prohibited in Champaign.
What law covers backyard chickens in Champaign?
7-19 (Ch. 7, Art. I - Animals and Fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
7-19 (Ch. 7, Art. I - Animals and Fowl) — read the official code
“On December 3, 2013 City Council adopted an ordinance that allows residents to raise up to six hens under specific conditions.” source
“Residents who do not comply with Sec. 7-19 Hens and all applicable sections of the Champaign Municipal Code will be subject to enforcement action.” source
“A coop license costs $25.00 and is good from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. If licensees do not have any enforcement actions, the license automatically renews with no additional fee.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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