Can I keep chickens in Decatur, IL?
Yes — Decatur allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Chapter 47, Section 4, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only (no front or side yard); enclosure must meet sanitation requirements; no accumulation of dirt, offal, or urine |
| Code section | Chapter 47, Section 4 |
Decatur allows chickens and other domestic fowl with no stated numeric limit. The enclosure must be entirely outside 50 feet from any neighboring dwelling and cannot be in the front or side yard. No permit is required. Code revised September 2024.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Decatur?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Decatur (Chapter 47, Section 4).
How many chickens can I keep in Decatur?
Decatur sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Decatur?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Decatur.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Decatur?
50 feet minimum. Rear yard only (no front or side yard); enclosure must meet sanitation requirements; no accumulation of dirt, offal, or urine
What law covers backyard chickens in Decatur?
Chapter 47, Section 4. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Chapter 47, Section 4 — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep on any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him in the City, any rabbits, chickens, ducks, pigeons, geese, or other domestic fowl unless such animals or fowl are kept in an enclosure no part of which is within 50 feet of any dwelling house occupied by human beings, except any dwelling house occupied by the owner or person in control of said animal or fowl.” source
“Said animal or fowl shall not be located in the front yard or side yard as defined by the City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2018-32, August 6, 2018)” 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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