Can I keep chickens in Council Bluffs, IA?
Yes — Council Bluffs allows backyard chickens, up to 10 hens with a required permit/registration. Coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Council Bluffs Municipal Code Ch. 4.20 (Animal Control), 4.20.280-4.20.420, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 10 |
| Permit required | Yes ($150) |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Farm-animal permit and consent of property owner required; premises inspected. Chickens (Small Farm Animals) kept in rear yard, meet accessory-building setbacks, be at least 10 ft from any dwelling, fenced, with adequate shelter (building permit if shelter >=120 sq ft). |
| Code section | Council Bluffs Municipal Code Ch. 4.20 (Animal Control), 4.20.280-4.20.420 |
Council Bluffs allows chickens as 'Small Farm Animals' (maximum of 10) subject to a farm-animal permit, which costs $150, runs three years, and requires premises inspection plus consent of the property owner. Coops/runs must sit in the rear yard, meet accessory-building setbacks, and be at least 10 feet from any dwelling; there is no minimum lot size. The reviewed sections do not state a rooster ban or slaughter rule.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Council Bluffs?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Council Bluffs (Council Bluffs Municipal Code Ch. 4.20 (Animal Control), 4.20.280-4.20.420).
How many chickens can I keep in Council Bluffs?
Up to 10 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Council Bluffs?
Yes — Council Bluffs requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $150).
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Council Bluffs?
10 feet minimum. Farm-animal permit and consent of property owner required; premises inspected. Chickens (Small Farm Animals) kept in rear yard, meet accessory-building setbacks, be at least 10 ft from any dwelling, fenced, with adequate shelter (building permit if shelter >=120 sq ft).
What law covers backyard chickens in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs Municipal Code Ch. 4.20 (Animal Control), 4.20.280-4.20.420. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Council Bluffs Municipal Code Ch. 4.20 (Animal Control), 4.20.280-4.20.420 — read the official code
“The following types of Small and Intermediate Farm Animals shall be limited in quantity based off of species, not to exceed a maximum quantity of 10 animals total: Chickens, maximum of 10” source
“Don't forget to attach the $150.00 permit fee. Permits are now active for 3 years.” source
“No person shall keep or harbor any farm animals without having first obtained a permit. A permit for the keeping of farm animals shall be in effect for three years from the date of its issuance.” source
“Under no circumstances will Small Farm Animals be permitted to be kept within ten (10) feet of any dwelling.” 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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