Can I keep chickens in Woodstock?
Yes, with conditions — Woodstock allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 8 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Woodstock Code Sec. 6-2(d) (Ord. No. 751-2024, 2-12-2024), verified August 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens must be confined to a fenced enclosure in the rear yard only, at least 25 feet from any property line and 50 feet from residential structures on adjacent properties, enclosing not less than 10 square feet per hen. A coop under 15 feet in height, impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, with 2 square feet per hen, is required. Droppings must be stored covered and removed. |
| Code section | Woodstock Code Sec. 6-2(d) (Ord. No. 751-2024, 2-12-2024) |
Woodstock allows up to 8 hens as a non-commercial accessory use on a residential lot of 20,000 square feet or more. This is an express exception to the general rule barring poultry on lots under six acres. Lots greater than 8 acres may keep one additional hen per whole acre over 8. Roosters and on-site slaughter are prohibited, and enclosures must sit 25 feet from property lines and 50 feet from neighboring homes.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Woodstock?
Yes, with conditions — Woodstock allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Woodstock Code Sec. 6-2(d) (Ord. No. 751-2024, 2-12-2024)).
How many chickens can I keep in Woodstock?
Up to 8 hens. 8 hens on lots of 20,000+ sq ft, +1 per 43,560 sq ft above 348,480. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Woodstock?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Woodstock.
Are roosters allowed in Woodstock?
No — roosters are prohibited in Woodstock.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Woodstock?
25 feet minimum. Hens must be confined to a fenced enclosure in the rear yard only, at least 25 feet from any property line and 50 feet from residential structures on adjacent properties, enclosing not less than 10 square feet per hen. A coop under 15 feet in height, impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, with 2 square feet per hen, is required. Droppings must be stored covered and removed.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Woodstock?
Yes — 20,000 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Woodstock?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Woodstock's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Woodstock?
Woodstock Code Sec. 6-2(d) (Ord. No. 751-2024, 2-12-2024). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Woodstock Code Sec. 6-2(d) (Ord. No. 751-2024, 2-12-2024) — read the official code
“Notwithstanding the prohibition in Subsection (a) above, the keeping of chickens may be allowed, if all of the following requirements are met:” source
“No more than eight hens are kept on a residential lot as a non-commercial accessory use. a. Said residential lot must be 20,000 square feet or greater. b. Residential lots greater than eight acres may keep one additional hen per every whole acre over eight acres.” source
“No rooster shall be kept upon the property.” source
“Hens shall be confined to a fenced enclosure located in the rear yard only. The enclosure shall be at least 25 feet from any property lines and 50 feet from residential structures on adjacent properties, and shall enclose an area of not less than ten square feet per hen.” source
Last verified August 9, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →