Can I keep chickens in Burlington, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Burlington allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Code of Ordinances 65.31 (Livestock Within City Limits), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Housing structures must minimize noise/smell; no fence, pen, cage or housing structure within 10 ft of any property line or in a required front yard; owner must provide a waste disposal system; containment suitable for the species required. |
| Code section | Code of Ordinances 65.31 (Livestock Within City Limits) |
Burlington allows chickens within city limits only with a livestock permit from the enforcement officer; no more than 12 chickens may be kept at a property address and roosters (male chickens) are prohibited. Housing structures must be at least 10 ft from all property lines and may not be in a required front yard, and the owner must provide a waste-disposal system. Permits must be renewed if the property is sold or transferred.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Burlington?
Yes, with conditions — Burlington allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Code of Ordinances 65.31 (Livestock Within City Limits)).
How many chickens can I keep in Burlington?
Up to 12 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Burlington?
Yes — Burlington requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Burlington?
No — roosters are prohibited in Burlington.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Burlington?
10 feet minimum. Housing structures must minimize noise/smell; no fence, pen, cage or housing structure within 10 ft of any property line or in a required front yard; owner must provide a waste disposal system; containment suitable for the species required.
What law covers backyard chickens in Burlington?
Code of Ordinances 65.31 (Livestock Within City Limits). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Code of Ordinances 65.31 (Livestock Within City Limits) — read the official code
“No more than twelve (12) chickens may be kept at a property address.” source
“Livestock Prohibited. It is unlawful to maintain or harbor livestock within the City limits without obtaining a livestock permit from the enforcement officer for these animals.” source
“It is a municipal infraction to keep a rooster, defined as a male chicken, within the corporate limits of the City of Burlington, Iowa.” source
“No fence, pen, cage or other housing structure shall be maintained within ten (10) feet from all property lines. No fence, pen, cage or other housing structure shall be allowed in a required front yard.” 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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