Can I keep chickens in Clinton, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Clinton allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($30) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Allowed with restrictions |
| Coop rules | Coops/tractors must be in rear yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 5 ft from the principal residence; 4 sq ft per chicken, coop 16-96 sq ft; chickens confined at all times. Applicant must complete an approved urban-chicken class and pass inspection. |
| Code section | Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens) |
Clinton allows up to six hens (no roosters) on single-family detached residential property in R-1 One-Family and R-2 Two-Family districts, with a permit from Building and Neighborhood Services. The applicant must own/occupy a single-family parcel, pass inspection, and show completion of an approved chicken-keeping class; the inspection fee is $30. Coops must be in the rear yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 5 ft from the home, with humane slaughter permitted out of public view.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Clinton?
Yes, with conditions — Clinton allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens)).
How many chickens can I keep in Clinton?
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 Clinton?
Yes — Clinton requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $30).
Are roosters allowed in Clinton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Clinton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Clinton?
10 feet minimum. Coops/tractors must be in rear yard, at least 10 ft from property lines and 5 ft from the principal residence; 4 sq ft per chicken, coop 16-96 sq ft; chickens confined at all times. Applicant must complete an approved urban-chicken class and pass inspection.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Clinton?
Yes, with restrictions — see the city's rules in Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens).
What law covers backyard chickens in Clinton?
Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Code 159.046(R) (Urban chickens) — read the official code
“(R) Urban chickens. The keeping of no more than six chickens for use on a single-family detached residential property for the benefit of the owners of said property is an allowed use in an R-1 One-Family Residential District and R-2 Two-Family Residential District.” source
“Fees. The fee for an inspection shall be $30.” source
“Permit required. No person shall raise, harbor or keep chickens on any land not zoned R-1 One Family District or R-2 Two-Family District within the city without a valid permit issued by the Building and Neighborhood Services Department.” source
“Hens only. Only female chickens (hens) are allowed. Male chickens (roosters) are not allowed and shall be removed immediately by the owner.” 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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