Can I keep chickens in Chicago, IL?
Yes — Chicago allows backyard chickens with no permit required. (7-12-300, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | No specific coop requirements in municipal code. Roosters subject to noise ordinance prohibiting excessive animal noise. Slaughtering animals on premises prohibited under 7-12-300 except for edible byproducts such as eggs. |
| Code section | 7-12-300 |
Chicago allows chickens with no hen limit and no permit required. A 2015 code amendment at 7-12-300 explicitly preserves the right to keep animals for eggs and milk. Roosters are technically allowed but subject to the noise ordinance on excessive animal noise. Slaughtering on premises is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Chicago?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Chicago (7-12-300).
How many chickens can I keep in Chicago?
Chicago sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Chicago?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Chicago.
Are roosters allowed in Chicago?
Yes, with conditions — see Chicago's rules (7-12-300).
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Chicago?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Chicago's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Chicago?
7-12-300. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
7-12-300 — read the official code
“Chicago municipal code offers no specific limit on either the number or kind of animals Chicagoans can keep. Chicagoans can raise animals for eggs and milk.” source
“No person shall own, keep or otherwise possess for their own food purposes, or slaughter, any animal; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to edible byproducts, such as eggs or milk, produced by an animal.” 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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