Appointment Only

Building Inspection is open to the public by appointment only.

For more on appointments and other services, please see the Building Inspection Services page.

Obtaining a City of Madison Chicken License

How to Obtain a City of Madison Chicken License

1. Complete the notification rules based on property type:

For an owner occupied single family home: not required.
A single-family home with renters: notify the property owner and all residents.
A two, three, or four family home: notify the property owner and all residents of the property.
A museum, school or day care center: notify the owner or operator of the property.

Note: You do not need to notify others for the annual license renewal.

2. Register with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Fill out the free "Livestock Premises Registration Application." Once registered, you will have a registration number.

Complete the form online
Or print it, fill it out, and fax it to (608) 224-5034.

3. Complete the application for a chicken license.

Online

Please note: To apply online, you'll need a digital copy of your Livestock Premises Registration.

Log in to your account on the City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal to fill out this application. If you don’t have an account, register for one now.
Go to the Licenses/Registrations tab and click on Apply for a License/Registration.
Choose Treasurer - Chicken Owner Registration, and continue through the application.

By Mail or In Person

You can submit your completed application, a copy of your Livestock Premises Registration, and $10 to the City Treasurer's Office by:

Mail: City of Madison Treasury P.O. Box 2999 Madison, WI 53701
In person: Room 101 of the City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Note: You must apply for your chicken license within 30 days of getting chickens. You must renew your license yearly, before January 1 of each year. The license year begins January 1 and ends on December 31.

Last Updated: 05/14/2025