Backyard Chickens in Aurora, Illinois

What the Aurora Ordinance Says

Aurora’s backyard chicken rules are governed by Municipal Code Section 14-134: Keeping of Chickens and Domesticated Ducks, most recently amended by Ordinance 2022-48 in September 2022.

Flock Size — Depends on Lot Size

• Lots under 20,000 sq ft: Up to 6 chicken hens
• Lots 20,000 sq ft or larger: Up to 8 hens

Most standard Aurora residential lots fall under 20,000 sq ft. Check your lot size via the Kane County or DuPage County GIS portal before planning your flock.

No Roosters

Roosters are explicitly prohibited. Hens and domesticated ducks only.

Two Permits Required — Before You Get Birds

Aurora requires a permit before you keep any chickens — not just before coop construction. Your permit application must include a site plan showing coop location and written consent from abutting property owners where required. Contact Aurora’s Housing and Community Services department for the current fee and application form.

The permit is one-time (not annual) but lapses if you stop keeping chickens for 12+ consecutive months.

Coop Requirements

• Location: Rear yard only, within an opaque-fenced area
• Minimum size: At least 2 sq ft per bird inside the coop
• Maximum size: No more than 120 sq ft of floor space
• Run: Must be adjacent to coop, at least 16 sq ft, fenced against predators
• Construction: Predator-resistant, properly ventilated, easy to clean

No On-Site Slaughter

Killing chickens on residential property is explicitly prohibited except under lawful order or veterinary euthanasia.

Renters

If you rent, you must obtain written landlord consent as a condition of your permit.

What This Means in Plain English

Aurora is chicken-friendly but administratively involved. You need two permits before any birds arrive — one for the birds themselves, one for the coop structure. The good news: both are one-time, not annual.

Most Aurora lots are limited to 6 hens — enough for 4–5 eggs per day in peak season. As always, check your HOA documents first. The city ordinance explicitly notes it does not override HOA restrictions.

Practical Considerations

Aurora Spans Two Counties

Aurora straddles Kane and DuPage counties. The city ordinance applies citywide regardless of county. Use the Kane County GIS (gis.kanecountyil.gov) or DuPage County GIS to find your official lot size.

Climate

Aurora winters are cold — average January lows around 15–17°F with wind chill regularly below zero. A heated waterer is essential from November through March. Cold-hardy breeds significantly outperform Mediterranean breeds here.

Getting Started

1. Check your HOA documents
2. Look up your lot size — confirms whether you get 6 or 8 hens
3. Identify a rear yard coop location at least 25 ft from neighboring homes
4. Apply for your permit through Housing and Community Services
5. Build or buy your coop with an enclosed run
6. Get your birds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Aurora, IL?

Yes. Aurora allows backyard chickens on single-family residential properties under Section 14-134. Permit required before keeping any birds. Up to 6 hens on lots under 20,000 sq ft.

Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Aurora?

Yes — before you get any birds. Apply through Aurora’s Housing and Community Services department with a site plan showing coop location.

Are roosters allowed in Aurora?

No. Roosters are explicitly prohibited. Hens only.

Can my HOA override Aurora’s chicken ordinance?

Yes. The city ordinance explicitly states it does not override HOA restrictions. Check your CC&Rs before applying.