Can I keep chickens in Elgin, IL?
Yes — Elgin allows backyard chickens, up to 4 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (7.08 (Title 7, Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 4 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($120) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop must be in rear yard only, max 50 sq ft, max 6 ft height. Pen max 100 sq ft. At least 25 feet from any occupied residential structure other than owners. At least 6 feet from all property lines. Not visible from a street. Must pass final inspection. Single-family residentially zoned properties only. Permit not transferable. |
| Code section | 7.08 (Title 7, Animals) |
Elgin allows up to 4 hens on single-family residentially zoned lots under Section 7.08, made permanent by city council on February 24, 2016. A city license and building permit are both required ($85 permit plus $35 license = $120 total). Roosters and slaughter are prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Elgin?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Elgin (7.08 (Title 7, Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Elgin?
Up to 4 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Elgin?
Yes — Elgin requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $120).
Are roosters allowed in Elgin?
No — roosters are prohibited in Elgin.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Elgin?
25 feet minimum. Coop must be in rear yard only, max 50 sq ft, max 6 ft height. Pen max 100 sq ft. At least 25 feet from any occupied residential structure other than owners. At least 6 feet from all property lines. Not visible from a street. Must pass final inspection. Single-family residentially zoned properties only. Permit not transferable.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Elgin?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Elgin's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Elgin?
7.08 (Title 7, Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
7.08 (Title 7, Animals) — read the official code
“YOU CANNOT KEEP BACKYARD CHICKENS IN THE CITY OF ELGIN WITHOUT A CITY ISSUED LICENSE.” source
“Maximum of four chickens.” source
“$85 permit application fee and a one-time $35 license fee.” source
“Must be located within a rear yard, at least 25 feet from any occupied residential structure other than the owners house, set back at least 6 feet from all property lines, and not visible from a street.” 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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