Manitowoc Wisconsin Chicken Ordinance

(4) Chickens. No person shall keep, raise, possess or have under such person’s control, either temporarily or permanently, any chickens or ducks without first obtaining a license issued by the City Clerk. The license should be obtained as soon as the fowl are added to the premises and must be renewed annually.


(a). License Application. Application for a chicken license shall be made by the owner thereof upon forms furnished by the City Clerk. Such application shall contain the full name and address of the owner, shall establish that ownership complies with all applicable provisions of Wisconsin Statutes and the Manitowoc Municipal Code, and any other information as designated on the form by the City Clerk. The applicant shall present a copy of his/her Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Livestock Premises Registration at the time of application.


(b). License Tax and Late Fees. The license tax shall be $10.00 per premises. The City Treasurer shall assess and collect a late fee of $5.00 from owners who fail to obtain a license within one month of ownership or possession of the fowl. All late fees received or collected shall be paid into the general fund.


(c). Minimum Requirements. The chickens shall be provided with a covered enclosure and must be kept in the covered enclosure or fenced enclosure at all times. The enclosure shall be located at least twenty-five feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot. The applicant for license must notify all residents of the property and the owner of the property if the applicant is not the owner or operator. Notification is not needed for renewal of a license.


(d). Prohibitions. No person shall keep more than six chickens at any time. The keeping of roosters, gamecocks, and other fighting birds is prohibited. The slaughtering of chickens is prohibited.


(e). License Revocation. The Chief of Police or his designee, or the Building Inspector or his designee may revoke a license issued under this section if the owner, within a twelve-month period, accumulates two or more violations resulting in conviction of any ordinance regulating the keeping of chickens.


NOTE: This information was submitted by a member of our chicken forum. Please make sure to double check that this information is accurate before you proceed with raising chickens. Learn more about local chicken laws and ordinances.