| Are chickens allowed in Bloomington? | Yes |
| How many chickens can you have? | 5 |
| Can you have roosters in Bloomington? | No |
| Chicken coop placement rules: | Coops 12 feet from lot lines and 20 feet from neighboring dwellings. |
| Application process: | Permit required |
| More information: | City of Bloomington |
Bloomington is a progressive city when it comes to keeping backyard chickens. While it limits the total number, it allows slaughtering and places minimal other restrictions on chicken owners.
For additional information on raising backyard chickens in Bloomington, please see below.
- Chickens permitted. In Bloomington, Indiana, residents are allowed to keep up to five (5) chickens in their backyard.
- Rooster restrictions. To reduce noise disturbances, roosters are not permitted within city limits.
- Permit requirements. A permit is necessary for residents who wish to keep backyard chickens. The process includes submitting an application and paying any relevant fees.
- Coop and run guidelines. Chicken coops must be well-ventilated, predator-resistant, and designed for easy cleaning. Each chicken should have at least 2 square feet of space in the coop and a minimum of 10 square feet of space in the run.
- Coop placement and setbacks. Coops must be situated at least 12 feet away from property lines, 20 feet from neighboring homes, and cannot be placed in front of the residential structure.
- Cleanliness and maintenance. Maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in chicken coops and runs is essential, with proper waste disposal and regular cleaning required.
- Restrictions on slaughtering. Slaughtering chickens is allowed on residential properties within the city limits.
- Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules. Residents should consult their HOA to verify whether backyard chickens are allowed under their specific community guidelines. In some instances, HOA rules may override city regulations.
To ensure that you have accurate and current information on keeping backyard chickens in Bloomington, it is recommended that you seek advice from the relevant local authorities.
Start Raising Chickens
See other Indiana chicken ordinances.
Last updated: 4/26/24