| Are chickens allowed in Springfield? | Yes (in most zones) |
| How many chickens can you have? | Varies by residential zone |
| Can you have roosters in Springfield? | Yes |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops at least 30 feet from neighbors and 10 feet from lot lines. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | Springfield municipal code |
Unless you’re in Zone E, you can have backyard chickens in the city of Springfield.
Looking to start a backyard chicken flock in Springfield? Here’s everything you need to know.
- Chickens permitted. In Springfield, Illinois, residents are allowed to keep chickens in their backyards, except in Zone E. The maximum number of chickens allowed varies by zone.
- Prohibition of roosters. Roosters are not expressly forbidden within city limits, but rules may vary by residential zone.
- Permit acquisition. Residents are required to obtain a permit for keeping backyard chickens, which involves submitting an application and paying any associated fees.
- Coop and run criteria. Chicken coops must be well-ventilated, predator-resistant, and designed for easy maintenance. Each chicken should have a minimum of 3 square feet of space in the coop and at least 10 square feet of space in the run.
- Placement of coops and setbacks. Chicken coops must be situated at least 30 feet away from any neighboring residential dwelling and a minimum of 10 feet away from property lines.
- Upkeep and sanitation. Maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in chicken coops and runs is essential, with regular cleaning and proper waste disposal required.
- Slaughter restrictions. Slaughtering chickens is not permitted on residential properties within the city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules. Residents should consult their HOA to determine if backyard chickens are allowed under their community’s specific guidelines. In some cases, HOA regulations may take precedence over city rules.
If you want the most up-to-date and reliable information on keeping backyard chickens in Springfield, it’s best to consult the appropriate local authorities.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Illinois chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24