Can I keep chickens in Ankeny, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Ankeny allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 25 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Ankeny Municipal Code Ch. 58 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2156, eff. 10-23-2023), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 10,890 sq ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Hens kept in enclosure at all times; secured in henhouse or chicken tractor during non-daylight hours. Min 4 sq ft per bird. Henhouse/pen only in rear yard, at least 25 ft from any property line and 10 ft from drainage easements. Predator/rodent-proof; uniform materials. |
| Code section | Ankeny Municipal Code Ch. 58 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2156, eff. 10-23-2023) |
Ankeny allows up to six female chickens (no roosters) per tract with an annual permit, available only for residential lots of at least one-quarter acre (10,890 sq ft) containing a single-family home. The henhouse/pen must be in the rear yard, at least 25 feet from any property line, and the applicant must complete an approved urban-chicken class. Slaughtering chickens anywhere in the city is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Ankeny?
Yes, with conditions — Ankeny allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Ankeny Municipal Code Ch. 58 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2156, eff. 10-23-2023)).
How many chickens can I keep in Ankeny?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Ankeny?
Yes — Ankeny requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Ankeny?
No — roosters are prohibited in Ankeny.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Ankeny?
25 feet minimum. Hens kept in enclosure at all times; secured in henhouse or chicken tractor during non-daylight hours. Min 4 sq ft per bird. Henhouse/pen only in rear yard, at least 25 ft from any property line and 10 ft from drainage easements. Predator/rodent-proof; uniform materials.
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Ankeny?
Yes — 10,890 sq ft.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Ankeny?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Ankeny's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Ankeny?
Ankeny Municipal Code Ch. 58 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2156, eff. 10-23-2023). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Ankeny Municipal Code Ch. 58 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2156, eff. 10-23-2023) — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is six (6) per tract of land.” source
“Permits will be granted only for tracts of land of at least one-quarter acre (10,890 sq. ft.) in size, containing only one single family home and located in residential districts” source
“No person shall raise, harbor or keep chickens within the City of Ankeny without a valid permit obtained from the Permitting Officer under the provisions of this Chapter.” source
“Only female chickens (hens) are allowed.” source
Last verified June 14, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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