Can I keep chickens in Palatine, IL?
Yes, with conditions — Palatine allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (5-6(18), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($50) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only; 6-ft solid fence around rear yard required; coop max 8 ft height; min 4 sq ft per bird in coop plus run; coop 15 ft from lot lines and 10 ft from primary structure; building permit required; written consent required from all abutting property owners; IL Dept. of Agriculture Livestock Premises Registration required; R-1/R-1A/R-1B/R-1C/R-2 zones only; owner-occupied only; Village Council approval required |
| Code section | 5-6(18) |
Palatine allows up to 6 hens on owner-occupied single-family lots in residential zones with a Backyard Chicken Keeping License and Village Council approval. Written consent from all abutting neighbors is required. Coop is 15 ft from lot lines. Slaughter is prohibited. Ordinance O-16-23 adopted February 20, 2023.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Palatine?
Yes, with conditions — Palatine allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (5-6(18)).
How many chickens can I keep in Palatine?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Palatine?
Yes — Palatine requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $50).
Are roosters allowed in Palatine?
No — roosters are prohibited in Palatine.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Palatine?
15 feet minimum. Rear yard only; 6-ft solid fence around rear yard required; coop max 8 ft height; min 4 sq ft per bird in coop plus run; coop 15 ft from lot lines and 10 ft from primary structure; building permit required; written consent required from all abutting property owners; IL Dept. of Agriculture Livestock Premises Registration required; R-1/R-1A/R-1B/R-1C/R-2 zones only; owner-occupied only; Village Council approval required
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Palatine?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Palatine's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Palatine?
5-6(18). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
5-6(18) — read the official code
“To keep chickens, unless there is full compliance with the minimum criteria as outlined in 5-6 (18) and said compliance has been verified by the Village Manager or his/her designee and further has been granted approval by the Village Council.” source
“No person shall keep more than six Chickens on any licensed premises.” source
“The keeping or harboring of any Rooster is prohibited.” source
“Chicken coops shall be fifteen feet from an interior and rear lot line and shall not be located within ten feet of any primary structure.” 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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