Chicken Licenses

Obtaining a City of Sun Prairie Chicken-Keeping License


Chicken Keeping Licenses are now online through OpenGov

  1. Register with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. This registration is free. Please refer to their website for more information on how to do this.
  2. Complete a Special Use Permit Application (PDF) and turn it in to the Planning Department located on the 2nd floor of City Hall located at 300 E. Main Street. For more information, please see the Planning Department's website.
  3. Once you have obtained approval of your Special Use Permit, complete the Chicken-Keeping License Application.
  4. Simply go to this link to create or log in to your account in OpenGov.

    Anyone applying for a Chicken-Keeping License must provide the following:

    1. Submit a sketch of the chicken-keeping site
    2. Wisconsin Livestock Premises Registration Card
    3. Special Use Approval Letter from Planning Department

If there are any questions, contact us by emailing licensing@cityofsunprairie.com.  

License Fee

  • $35.00 for the Special Use Permit (This is a one-time charge for as long as you keep your coop and enclosure in the same place). No fee until January 1 of the following year.
  • $15.00 per year after that due by December 31st.
  • $5.00 per month late fee charged the 1st of each month beginning February 1.

Dane County Public Health Department has good information regarding backyard chickens.

All licenses expire on December 31st

The keeping of chickens in the City of Sun Prairie requires the granting of a special use permit per Section 17.16.140 prior to the construction of a coop/enclosure.