Thinking about keeping backyard chickens in Iowa? Many cities allow you to—but rules differ sharply depending on where you live. Most places cap hens at around 4–6 and ban roosters. Some cities require permits, setbacks, or classes. Rural areas are often more flexible. This guide walks you through key cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and more.
Statewide Backdrop
Iowa doesn’t have one single statewide law for backyard chickens. Each city or county sets its own rules—limits on number of hens, rules on roosters, coop setbacks, cleanliness requirements, and permit or education needs. Always check your city’s ordinance or planning office.
Des Moines (Polk County)
One of the more generous policies in Iowa:
- Up to 25 birds per acre, including chickens and other poultry.
- Roosters are permitted—but subject to noise ordinances.
- No roaming chickens; they must be confined.
- Coops must be clean, sanitary, and maintained regularly.
Cedar Rapids (Linn County)
- Permit required—$25 annually.
- Up to 6 hens per tract, regardless of dwelling units.
- No roosters allowed.
- Coop must stay in rear yard, ≥10 ft from property line, and ≥25 ft from neighbor dwelling.
- Hens must be tagged and live in sanitary, enclosed conditions.
Davenport (Scott County)
- Up to 6 hens allowed per property (no roosters).
- Permits required.
- Rear-yard coop only; at least 10 ft from property lines and 25–20 ft from dwellings.
- Minimum 4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop.
Iowa City (Johnson County)
- Permit required.
- Up to 4 hens; roosters not permitted.
- All neighbors must be notified in writing before permit issue.
- No on-site slaughtering or egg selling.
- Coop space rules: 4 sq ft per bird minimum.
Sioux City (Woodbury County)
- Permit required.
- Up to 4 hens; roosters over four months old not allowed.
- Coop must be at least 45 ft from your home and 125 ft from any neighbor dwelling.
- Minimum coop/run space: 3 sq ft per bird inside, 10 sq ft in run.
- No slaughtering allowed on residential lots.
Urbandale (Des Moines metro)
- Permit required and mandatory course completion.
- Up to 6 female hens only; no roosters.
- Henhouse/pen must be ≥10 ft from property line and ≥25 ft from adjacent dwellings.
- Minimum 4 sq ft coop space per bird.
- No odors or noise beyond property boundaries.
Waukee (Des Moines metro)
- Permit required after completing ISU Extension online course.
- Up to 6 hens on ≤½‑acre property; additional 6 hens per additional ½ acre up to 30 hens total.
- No roosters.
- Coop must be ≥25 ft from lot lines.
Ankeny (Polk County)
- Permit required, $100 annual fee.
- Certificate from chicken-keeping course required.
- Up to 6 hens, no roosters.
- Lot size minimum: approx 10,890 sq ft (~¼ acre).
- Coops must be at least 25 ft from property lines.
Indianola (Warren County)
- Permit required.
- One chicken per 2,000 sq ft of lot, max 10 hens.
- No roosters.
- No on-site slaughtering or free-ranging.
Other Towns — Quick Look
- Mason City — up to 25 hens allowed.
- Marion, Coralville, Urbandale, Norwalk — typically up to 4–6 hens with permit; no roosters.
- Cedar Falls — requires land-use permit and poultry license; up to 10 hens.
- Burlington — chicken ordinance in city code; permits and fee exist.
- Clive — up to 12 chickens on lots <1.5 acres; setback 150 ft from homes.
- Windsor Heights — max 2 hens; coop in rear yard only.
- West Des Moines — chickens only in large “estate zones,” require $600 conditional use permit.
Common Themes Across Iowa
- Most cities cap hens at 4–6; Des Moines is the most generous with up to 25 birds per acre.
- Roosters are almost always banned or heavily restricted.
- Permits are common—typically $25–$100 annually—and often require training.
- Setbacks typically range from 10 to over 100 ft depending on city.
- Coops must be sanitary, predator-proof, ventilated, and odor controlled.
- All are for personal use only—no commercial egg or meat sales.
Summary Table
| City | Hens Allowed | Roosters? | Permit? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Up to 25 birds/acre | Yes | Yes | Confinement; coop cleanliness; no roaming |
| Cedar Rapids | 6 hens | No | Yes ($25) | Rear yard; setbacks 10 ft/25 ft |
| Davenport | 6 hens | No | Yes | Rear yard; setbacks 10 ft/25 ft; 4 sq ft/hen |
| Iowa City | 4 hens | No | Yes | Neighbor notification; coop space |
| Sioux City | 4 hens | No | Yes | Setbacks 45 ft/125 ft; coop/run space |
| Urbandale | 6 hens | No | Yes & course | Setbacks 10/25 ft; coop ≥4 sq ft/bird |
| Waukee | 6–30 hens by lot size | No | Yes & course | Setbacks ≥25 ft; class required |
| Ankeny | 6 hens | No | Yes & course ($100) | Lot ≥¼ ac; setbacks 25 ft |
| Indianola | Max 10 (1 per 2,000 sq ft) | No | Yes | Permit; no slaughter |
Tips to Stay Legal and Friendly
- Check your address zoning—some rules only apply inside city limits or specific zoning districts.
- Contact city or county code enforcement or planning for chicken ordinances.
- Avoid roosters unless your property is in a large or agricultural zone.
- Follow coop setbacks and size standards exactly.
- Take required courses before applying (e.g., ISU Extension courses in Ankeny/Waukee).
- Maintain coop cleanliness and prevent odor, pests, and noise nuisances.
- Check HOA or neighborhood covenant rules—they can be stricter than city code.
Why These Rules Matter
Rules help avoid neighbor conflicts over noise, odors, pests, or wandering chickens. They ensure coops are safe and sanitary. Permits and setbacks keep urban chicken keeping balanced with community living. Many Iowa cities have designed ordinances to allow backyard hens while protecting neighborhood peace.
Bottom Line
Iowa permits backyard hens in many cities—though hen limits, roosters bans, permit needs, and setback rules vary widely. Des Moines offers maximum flexibility (up to 25 birds), while others like Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, and Waukee allow smaller flocks with formal permitting. Rural or agricultural areas tend to be more lenient. If you share your town, I can help find the most precise current rules for your property.