In a state known for its agriculture and its reputation as the food capital of the world, you might expect to gather farm-fresh eggs from a small coop tucked into your own backyard. The idea is simple and appealing, but local rules shift from city to town, and each community sets its own standards for keeping chickens at home.
To make your goal of building a small backyard farm easier, we put together a list of all 99 counties and 25 major cities along with the correct government contacts. You will also find a full breakdown of the backyard chicken rules for each major city.
Note: All information in this article was sourced from county and city government websites and codes or local news reports. You can find the contact information or resources for every area referenced in this article in the charts below.
Is It Legal to Have Chickens in Your Backyard in Iowa?
Yes, many cities in Iowa allow up to six chickens and outline permissions for what they classify as urban chickens. Some areas take a different approach, since West Des Moines does not allow them, and Waterloo is testing a pilot program to study how urban chickens might work for the community.
Because rules vary from city to city, it is important to check with your local officials to confirm what is allowed in your backyard. You can review your city’s guidelines below.
Do You Need A Permit For Chickens in Iowa?
Yes, most areas require permits to keep chickens in your backyard, even requiring the completion of a course certifying that you know how to raise backyard chickens properly. However, some areas, like Ames, do not require a permit to keep them. To find out what your area’s requirements are, click the button below.
How Many Chickens Can I Have in Iowa?
On average, most areas around you to keep around 6 chickens. However, the exact number of chickens you can have varies depending on where you live. For example, Iowa City only allows 4 chickens, while Des Moines allows up to 30 chickens. To find our how many chickens you city allows, you can skip ahead to your city requirements below.
Can I Let My Chickens Free-Range in My Backyard?
No, most areas require that chickens be kept in a coop at all times. In addition, they have standards for the type of enclosure they must be kept in. This includes nesting boxes, roosting areas, cleanliness, size, predator-proofing, climate control, ventilation, and other essential features. You can find out what your city requires below.
Can I Have A Rooster In My Backyard in Iowa?
No, most areas in Iowa don’t allow roosters. However, you may be able to have them in some places with approval from all neighbor’s you share a property line with.
Can I Sell My Chicken Eggs in Iowa?
Yes and no. In residential areas, chickens are generally allowed only for personal use, similar to the rules in Cedar Rapids. Properties zoned for commercial activity may be allowed to sell eggs, but this depends on local zoning regulations. If your property qualifies for egg sales, you must register with the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Egg Program.
Chicken Laws For Cities in Iowa
Below is a chart of cities in Iowa and their point of contact for more information on whether chickens are allowed. Click the city on the left side of the chart to be taken to the city’s regulation information.
Does Ames, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, the city doesn’t prevent anyone from keeping chickens in their backyard. However, they do have specific standards for housing, requiring the chickens to be kept in a coop that:
- Provides consistent access to food and fresh water
- It is weather-proof, ventilated, and temperature-controlled
- It is kept clean and sanitary
- Provides adequate space
If you have any additional questions about keeping chickens in your backyard in Ames, please contact the Planning Department.
Does Ankeny, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but a certificate certifying completion of the Getting Started with Backyard Chickens eCourse is required, and a permit is necessary to keep them. Completion of this course and the permit certify that you will meet the following standards for keeping chickens in your backyard:
- Number of Chickens: No more than 6 hens are kept. No roosters.
- Lot Size: Single-family home lot of at least ¼ an acre.
- Coop Requirements:
- Setback 25 feet from property lines
- Predator-proof
- Free of odors and kept clean and sanitary at all times
- Chickens aren’t kept for commercial purposes such as breeding or selling chicken eggs.
The Community Development Department issues permits and can answer any questions you may have.
Does Bettendorf, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, the city currently prohibits backyard chickens unless your property is zoned for agricultural use. If you would like to see this change, reach out to the Planning Division.
Does Burlington, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with a permit, you can keep up to 12 chickens in your backyard. Roosters are not permitted. For more information, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Cedar Falls, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, backyard chickens are permitted with a poultry license and land use permit. The license and permit certify that you’ll meet the following backyard chicken regulations:
- Number of Chickens Kept: No more than 10 hens. No roosters.
- A chicken coop and run are required and must meet the following requirements:
- Setback 25 feet from all homes on neighboring properties.
- Coops larger than 120 square feet must have a building permit.
- It is large enough to provide adequate space for each chicken.
- It is located 2 feet from any side or rear property lines.
If you have any questions about these requirements or are ready to obtain the required license and permit, contact Planning & Community Services.
Does Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with the proper permit. You must meet the following requirements:
- Number of Chickens: No more than 6 hens. No roosters.
- Class Required: Must complete the class on raising backyard chickens in an urban setting hosted by the Indian Creek Nature Center.
- Reasons for Keeping: For personal use only, cannot be kept for breeding, selling chicken eggs, or other commercial purposes.
- Enclosure Requirements:
- Must be kept in a coop at all times
- It must be clean, dry, odor-free, and sanitary
- Must provide proper ventilation
- Must be predator–proof
- Must provide 4 square feet per bird
- May only be located in the rear yard
- Setback 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from any adjacent building
If you have any questions or are ready to file your permit, please contact Building Services.
Does Clinton, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with a permit, you can have backyard chickens, but you must adhere to the following rules:
- Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- Permitted Residential Zoning Districts: R-1 and R-2.
- You must complete an approved chicken-keeping class.
- Chickens may be kept for personal use only.
- Coop Requirements:
- Must be in a coop or enclosure at all times.
- Must be 10 feet from all property lines.
- Must be 5 feet from any residential structure.
- It can only be located in the rear yard.
- It can be no larger than 96 feet.
- Openings should be covered with predator-proof doors or fencing.
- The coop must be at least 18 inches tall and provide at least 4 square feet per bird.
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- It must be clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary.
- It must provide access to fresh food and clean water at all times.
Permit applications can be obtained and filed through the Building and Neighborhood Services Department. If you have any questions, they can be directed to the code official at 563-244-3360.
Does Coralville, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, the city passed an ordinance in November 2020 allowing backyard chickens with proper permit. The rules for keeping chickens in the city are as follows:
- Number of chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- Must complete an approved course for raising backyard chickens:
- All chickens must wear number leg bands for identification purposes.
- Coop Requirements:
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- It must be clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary.
- It must provide access to fresh food and clean water at all times.
- It must provide at least 4 square feet per chicken.
- All openings must be covered with predator-proof door or wiring.
- It must be at least 10 feet from property lines.
- It can’t be kept in front or side yard.
For additional information or for help with permitting, reach out to Animal Control.
Does Council Bluffs, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
You can only have up to 10 chickens if your property is zoned with animal production as a principal use. To determine if your property is properly zoned for backyard chickens, contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
Does Davenport, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with an urban chicken permit, you can keep chickens in your backyard, provided that the following conditions are met:
- Number of chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- Class in raising urban chickens must be completed.
- Coop Requirements:
- It must be located 10 feet from side and rear property lines.
- The coop may not be located in the front yard.
- It must be 25 feet from any residential dwelling, including the property owner’s residence.
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- It must be clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary.
- It must provide access to fresh food and clean water at all times.
- Access doors and openings must be predator-proof and properly shut and locked at night.
Permits can be filed through Licensing Services. For additional information on applicable requirements, contact Development and Neighborhood Services.
Does Des Moines, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, so long as the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens:
| Property Size | Number of Chickens |
| Less than 1 acre | 30 |
| Over 1 acre | 25 per acre and 50 for each additional acre |
- Roosters: Not permitted unless written permission is obtained from all neighbors.
- Coop Requirements:
- They must be located 25 feet from any neighboring dwellings.
- They may not be kept in the front yard.
- Areas must stay free of odors, insects, rodents and disruptive noises.
- Animals must have access to food inside the coop.
For additional information on requirements, please contact the following officials:
- For Chicken Welfare, Behavior, Noise, or Disturbances: Animal Services/(515)-283-4811
- For Odors and Waste: Neighborhood Inspections Division/(515)-283-4046
- For Coop Requirements: Zoning Enforcement/ (515)-283-4207
Does Dubuque, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but residents must meet the following legal requirements:
- Backyard chickens may only be kept for eggs.
- Only hens may be kept. No roosters.
- They may only be kept in your rear yard.
- Must be kept in a coop that meets the setback requirements for your property.
For additional information or to obtain any required permits, please reach out to the following departments:
- For Coop Information: Planning Services Department / (563)-589-4210
- For Animal Welfare Questions or Concerns: Health Services Department / (563)-589-4181
Does Fort Dodge, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that in 2025, Fort Dodge approved rules that allow up to 10 chickens on a property, with no roosters allowed. Birds must stay in a secure, well-maintained enclosure. To confirm that these regulations have been passed and are in effect, contact the Planning Division.
Does Iowa City, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only with a permit verifying that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 4 hens. No roosters.
- You do not sell chicken eggs.
- Site Requirements:
- They are kept on a property with a single-family residence.
- Coops are no less than 25 feet from a neighboring residence.
- Coops are no less than 5 feet from your home.
- Coops are only located in the backyard.
- Coops are 5 feet froom any property line.
- Coop Requirements:
- A minimum of 4 square feet is provided per chicken.
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- It must be clean, dry, odor-free, neat, and sanitary.
- It is predator-proof.
- The coop provides one nesting box per chicken.
- The coop provides a roosting area sufficient for the number of chickens in your care.
- The coop has climate control features.
- It provides access to sanitary feed and water stations.
Additional requirements apply. For more information, contact Development Services.
Does Johnston, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only under the following conditions:
- Number of Chickens: 4
- Must be kept in an enclosure that meets accessory structure setback requirements for your zoning district.
For compliance with zoning requirements and other applicable rules for keeping backyard chickens, please contact the Community Development Department.
Does Marion, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, with the proper permit, you can keep chickens in your backyard in Marion, provided that the following requirements are met:
- A class is completed on raising backyard chickens and a certificate is received certifying completion.
- Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- Backyard chickens are kept for personal use only.
- Coop Standards:
- It must be clean, dry, odor free and sanitary.
- It must provide 4 square feet per bird.
- It must be predator-proof.
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- They may only be located in the side or rear yard.
- They must be located 10 feet from property lines.
- Must be at least 25 feet from any residential dwelling, church, school, or business.
Additional standards are in place. For more information or to submit a permit application, contact the Planning Division.
Does Marshalltown, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, it appears as though it’s currently prohibited to have chickens in your backyard on a residentially zoned property in Marshalltown. However, it also seems like local officials are discussing changing this. For more information on what is currently allowed, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Mason City, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, you can, but only under the following circumstances:
- Where: They may only be kept in Z2 Sub-Urban or Z3 General Urban districts.
- How Many: You can keep up to 25.
- How: They must be kept in an enclosure that is 10 feet from ally property lines and 35 feet from any neighbor’s homes or city right-of-ways.
Additional requirements may apply. Be sure to contact the Planning & Zoning Department to certify compliance with all applicable rules.
Does Muscatine, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that chickens cannot be kept on residentially zoned properties of less than 2 acres. Although, there has been proposed legislation for more friendly backyard chicken laws. To confirm what is currently allowed or to advocate for change, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Ottumwa, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only with a permit certifying that the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 6 hens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- They may be located in the rear yard area only.
- They must be 10 feet from any property line.
- They must be 50 feet from any residential buildings, church, school, or place of business.
Chicken coops are subject to inspection to verify that they provide adequate space for each chicken and proper sanitation. You can find out more about applicable regulations or find the permit application through Animal Control.
Does Sioux City, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only with a permit. For additional information on what is required to keep chickens in your backyard, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Urbandale, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, but only with a permit and when the following requirements are met:
- Number of Chickens: 2 hens. No roosters.
- Where: Single-family homes in residential zoning districts or planned unit developments that function as residential subdivisions.
- They are only kept for personal use.
- Coop Requirements:
- It must be clean, dry, odor free and sanitary.
- It must provide 4 square feet per bird.
- It must be predator-proof.
- It must provide proper ventilation.
- It must be located in the rear yard only.
- It must be 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring homes.
- Clean food and water must be available at all times.
To ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or for help with permit applications, contact the Planning & Zoning Department.
Does Waterloo, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
It appears that backyard chickens are not fully allowed at this time. The city has introduced a pilot program that permits them on a limited basis through a permit system.
The pilot program is currently evaluating rules that include:
- A limit of four chickens
- Coop placement at least ten feet from all lot lines
- Coop placement at least twenty five feet from any neighboring building
- Coop placement only in the rear yard
Additional standards are under review. For the latest information on the pilot program, contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Does Waukee, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
Yes, in accordance with the following standards:
- Permit, Licenses, and Certifications: A permit is required along with completion of online training from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
- Number of Chickens: 6 chickens. No roosters.
- Coop Requirements:
- Located at least 6 feet from your residence.
- Setback 10 feet from the property line.
- Must be 25 feet from any neighboring buildings.
To ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, contact Community Development at (515)-978-7896.
Does West Des Moines, Iowa, Allow Backyard Chickens?
No, chickens are typically not permitted on property’s zoned for residential use. To determine if you’re permitted to have chickens on your property call Development Services at (515)-222-3620.
Laws for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Iowa By County
In most situations, city officials handle enforcement of backyard chicken rules. If you live in an unincorporated area, the responsible authority shifts to county officials. Below is a list of all 99 Iowa counties along with the appropriate contact information for each one.
Build a Backyard Chicken Farm That Complies With Local Regulations
Now that you know the rules in your area, you’re one step closer to enjoying fresh eggs from your own small backyard farm. Before bringing chickens home, make sure you complete any required course, file the permit and set up an enclosure that meets local standards and gives your flock the space they need.
For a coop that fits your yard and complies with Iowa regulations, build a custom design with The Hen House Collection. You can choose the size, layout, nesting boxes, attached run, and other features that create a safe and compliant setup. Once your permit is approved and your coop is in place, you’re ready to start your backyard flock.
