Can I keep chickens in Madison, WI?
Yes — Madison allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Madison General Ordinances Sec. 28.151 (Keeping of Chickens); license under MGO Sec. 9.52, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($10) |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Chickens must have a covered enclosure and be kept in the covered or fenced enclosure at all times; enclosure must be at least 25 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot. |
| Code section | Madison General Ordinances Sec. 28.151 (Keeping of Chickens); license under MGO Sec. 9.52 |
Madison allows up to 8 chickens (hens only; roosters prohibited) as an accessory use on lots with up to four dwelling units, with an annual $10 license. Slaughter on-site is prohibited and enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any adjacent residential structure. The 8-chicken cap was raised from 4 by a 2023 zoning amendment.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Madison?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Madison (Madison General Ordinances Sec. 28.151 (Keeping of Chickens); license under MGO Sec. 9.52).
How many chickens can I keep in Madison?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Madison?
Yes — Madison requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $10).
Are roosters allowed in Madison?
No — roosters are prohibited in Madison.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Madison?
25 feet minimum. Chickens must have a covered enclosure and be kept in the covered or fenced enclosure at all times; enclosure must be at least 25 ft from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Madison?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Madison's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Madison?
Madison General Ordinances Sec. 28.151 (Keeping of Chickens); license under MGO Sec. 9.52. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Madison General Ordinances Sec. 28.151 (Keeping of Chickens); license under MGO Sec. 9.52 — read the official code
“The keeping of up to eight (8) chickens is allowed as an accessory use on lots with up to four (4) dwelling units.” source
“Madison rules allow residents to get an annual $10 license to keep chickens on a residential lot” source
“The owner, operator, or tenant must obtain a license.” source
“The keeping of roosters is prohibited.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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