Backyard Chickens in Naperville, Illinois

What the Naperville Ordinance Says

Naperville’s rules for backyard chickens are governed by Municipal Code Section 10-4-6: Fowl and Livestock, most recently amended in 2012. The ordinance is relatively permissive by Chicago-suburb standards.

Flock Size

No more than 8 fowl per property. This applies to all bird species — ducks count toward your limit too.

Note: Some secondary sources cite 6 hens. Naperville’s Municode text and city website reference 8. Always confirm with TED at (630) 420-6100 before purchasing birds.

No Roosters

Roosters and other crowing fowl are explicitly prohibited. Hens only.

Permit for Coop Construction

You must obtain a permit before constructing, adding onto, or modifying any coop or enclosure. Contact Naperville’s Transportation, Engineering and Development (TED) Business Group at (630) 420-6100, option 2. Hours: Monday–Friday 7am–7pm, Saturday 9am–noon.

Setback Requirements

No coop may be within 25 feet of any occupied residence other than your own. Measured from the coop structure, not your property line.

Screening

Open-sided runs must be screened to 6 feet height with 75%+ opacity materials.

Sanitation

• Feed stored in rodent-proof containers when not in use
• Enclosures kept clean with proper waste disposal
• No odors, pests, or public nuisance conditions
• Violations: $100–$500 per offense, per day

What This Means in Plain English

You can legally keep up to 8 hens in Naperville. No roosters. Pull a coop permit before building — it’s enforced. Your coop needs 25 feet clearance from neighboring homes, which is the most common constraint on standard lots.

HOAs are a separate issue. City ordinance allows chickens, but HOA CC&Rs can be more restrictive. Check your HOA documents before anything else.

Practical Considerations

DuPage County Weather

Average January lows around 16°F. Your hens need a well-insulated coop and heated waterer from November through March. Cold-hardy breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Black Australorps perform well.

Local Predators

Raccoons, opossums, red foxes, and Cooper’s hawks are all present in DuPage County. Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire), bury an apron around the run perimeter, and secure the coop door at night.

Getting Started

1. Check your HOA documents first
2. Confirm your zoning allows fowl
3. Measure your backyard — identify a spot 25 ft from neighboring homes
4. Choose your coop
5. Pull your permit from TED before construction
6. Build or install, then get your chicks

For chicks, Tractor Supply stocks pullets in spring (February–May). Meyer Hatchery and Murray McMurray ship to the Naperville area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have chickens in Naperville, IL?

Yes. Up to 8 hens under Municipal Code Section 10-4-6. Permit required for coop construction, 25-foot setback from neighboring homes.

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Naperville?

A permit is required for coop construction only — not for the birds themselves. Contact TED at (630) 420-6100, option 2.

Are roosters allowed in Naperville?

No. Roosters are explicitly prohibited. Hens only.

Can my HOA override Naperville’s chicken ordinance?

Yes. HOA CC&Rs supersede city rules. Always check your HOA documents first.