How to apply for a permit tokeep chickens in Milwaukee1. Complete an approved DNS-362 site plan(sample below) to the satisfaction of thedepartment. Blank site plans are available fromDNS at 4001 S. 6th St., 1st floor and online.

2. Present form (DNS-362) and a check ormoney order payable to “City of Milwaukee”for the current fee* to the clerk at theDepartment of Neighborhood Services, 4001S. 6th St., 1st floor for review (this office doesnot accept cash as payment). Applicants mayapply for permits Monday through Friday,8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.. Approval by thedepartment is contingent on a review forcompleteness and compliance with theordinance. The permit will be mailed to theapplicant upon approval. *fee=For current fees call 414-286-2759 or visit: www.milwaukee.gov/dns/fees

3. Before a permit is issued, DNS will notifyall of the property owners where the chickensshall be kept and owners (not residents) offall directly or diagonally abutting properties,including those across an alley. Neighborswill be given an opportunity to voice anyconcerns they may have.

Where to find applications and formsThis brochure, a link to the ordinance, and aChicken Coop site plan form can be found at:www.milwaukee.gov/chicken.

Any questions regarding this process shouldbe directed to the DNS Residential Sectionat 414-286-2759.

Sample Form DNS-362RequiReMents of theCity of MilwaukeeChiCken CooP oRDinanCe

Requirements for

• Application Process

• Number and type of chickens

• Coop dimensions and location

• Site maintenance requirements

• Care of chickens

DNS-361 soc 04/21/2017

Milwaukee Property Data available on the web at

http://www.milwaukee.gov/dns

Helpful Tips from the

City of MilwaukeeDepartment ofNeighborhoodServices

This material is available in alternative formats forindividuals with disabilities upon request. Please contactADA Coordinator, ADACoordinator@milwaukee.gov,414-286-3475, TTY: 711. Provide a 72 hour advancenotice, seven days for Braille, to ensure accommodation

of request.

What chickens are allowed?As of July 28, 2011 residents in the City ofMilwaukee will be allowed to keep chickenswith the following provisions:

• The keeping of up to 4 chickens, with apermit is allowed on a residential premiseonly. Permits will not be allowed oncommercial or mixed-use occupancies.

• Roosters are not allowed.

• No person shall slaughter any chickens.

Care for the chickens• Chickens shall be provided with fresh waterat all times and adequate amounts of feed.

• Chickens shall be provided with a sanitaryand adequately-sized, covered enclosure,or coop, and shall be kept in the enclosureor a sanitary and adequately-sized andfenced enclosure, or yard, at all times.Chicken coops and enclosures may not behomes or garages.

Coop location and design• Chicken coops shall be constructed in aworkmanlike manner, be moisture resistant,and either raised off the ground or placedon a hard surface such as concrete, patioblock or gravel.

• Chicken coops and yards shall beconstructed so they will not have standingwater.

• Chicken coops shall be cleaned of hendroppings, uneaten feed, feathers andother waste daily and as necessary toensure a health, odor or other nuisancedoes not exist.

• Chicken coops and yards together shall belarge enough to provide at least 16 squarefeet per chicken. Fenced enclosure spacecan be added to the coop space to add upto the minimum number of square feet.Coops cannot be taller than 10 feet. Coopscannot exceed 50 sq. ft..

• Enclosures shall not be closer than 25 feetto any residential structure on an adjacentlot. Enclosures shall not be located in thefront yard of a dwelling.

Problems with chickens to bereported• Chickens shall not cause any nuisance,unhealthy condition, public health threat orotherwise interfere with the normal use ofproperty or enjoyment of life by humans oranimals.

• Unusual illness or death of chickens shallbe reported to the Health Department.

• A permit may be revoked for failure tocomply with provisions of the ordinanceand, once revoked, shall not be reissued.

DNS intervention or inspections• An inspection of the proposed chickenkeeping site will not be conducted by theDepartment of Neighborhood Services(DNS) as part of the permitting process.DNS will inspect and determine compliancewith the ordinance on a complaint basis orif it believes a violation may be occurring.DNS may take enforcement action it deemsappropriate if violations are noted.

• DNS will answer questions about thepermitting process and the ordinance it ischarged with enforcing. To inquire about thepermitting process, call DNS ResidentialSection at (414) 286-2759.

• DNS will not offer advice or providesuggestions regarding the practice ofkeeping chickens. For example, DNS willnot suggest how to build a chicken coop orenclosure nor advise on where to acquireknowledge related to chicken keeping.