Fill out the free Livestock Premises Registration Application (link is external) with the State of Wisconsin. Once registered, you will receive a registration number. You can fill out the form online or print it and fax it to (608) 224-5034.

Apply online

Print form

To apply by mail:

• Mail your completed printed application, a copy of your Livestock Premises Registration, and $35 to the City Clerk's Office:

City of Wausau

407 Grant St,

Wausau, WI 54403

To apply in person:

• Submit your completed printed application and registration fee to the City Clerk's Office at:

City of Wausau

407 Grant St,

An inspection to demonstrate that all requirements are met:

1. No more than four hens or pullets are allowed on a premises.

2. Roosters are prohibited.

3. Chickens may only be kept at a residential zoning lot designated as SR-2, SR-3, SR-5, or SR-7 "Single Family Residential," TF-10 "Two-Flat Residential," or upon a lot designated MR-12, MR-20 or MR-50 "Multi-Family Residential." A permit shall be issued only to the primary owner(s) of record. The property owner shall reside on the premises regulated by the permit.

4. No slaughter of chickens may occur on the premises or within the City other than at a licensed meat processing facility.

5. Chickens may only be kept in a chicken coop or an attached and contiguous run. Between sunrise and sunset, chickens may be allowed outside of the coop into the run. Chickens must be secured within the coop between sunset and sunrise.

6. The chicken coop or run shall only be located within the rear yard of the premises. A chicken coop and run must be located no closer than ten feet to any property line and no closer than 25 feet to any principal residential structure on an adjacent lot.

7. Chicken coops and attached and contiguous runs shall be large enough to provide at least three square feet per chicken and cannot exceed a maximum of 24 square feet in size.

8. Chicken coops and runs shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner, be moisture-resistant and either raised up off the ground or placed on a hard surface such as concrete, patio block or gravel. Chicken coops and runs must be secure and impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, including dogs and cats and must be constructed or modified in a fashion to provide a humane environment for the chickens, include adequate ventilation, adequate sun, adequate shade and adequate protection from adverse weather.

9. Commercial activity related to the keeping of chickens is prohibited, including fertilizer production and the sale of eggs.

10. All food supplies maintained for the chickens must be kept in a secure and rodent-proof container.

11. All waste generated by the chickens, operation of the coop and run shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner or composted according to best practices.

12. The care and handling of chickens shall comply with other provisions of chapter 8 of this Code, including but not limited to section 8.08.020, mistreating of animals, and section 8.08.120 providing proper food and drink.