Can I keep chickens in Dubuque, IA?
Yes — Dubuque allows backyard chickens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited. (Keeping allowed on residentially-zoned property per 2014 ordinance amendments (Unified Development Code, Title 16); exact subsection not confirmed, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | No numeric cap |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop rules | Hens (and female ducks) kept for egg production only; must comply with city ordinance requiring clean, sanitary conditions. No permit and no numeric cap per the City. Exact coop/setback specifics in the Unified Development Code not pinned to a precise subsection. |
| Code section | Keeping allowed on residentially-zoned property per 2014 ordinance amendments (Unified Development Code, Title 16); exact subsection not confirmed |
Dubuque changed its ordinances in August 2014 to allow keeping chickens and ducks for egg production (hens only) on residentially-zoned property, with no permit process and no cap on the number of hens. Roosters remain banned and keepers must maintain sanitary conditions. The exact code subsection in the Unified Development Code was not isolated, but the City's official page states the rule authoritatively.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Dubuque?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Dubuque (Keeping allowed on residentially-zoned property per 2014 ordinance amendments (Unified Development Code, Title 16); exact subsection not confirmed).
How many chickens can I keep in Dubuque?
Dubuque sets no numeric cap on hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Dubuque?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Dubuque.
Are roosters allowed in Dubuque?
No — roosters are prohibited in Dubuque.
What law covers backyard chickens in Dubuque?
Keeping allowed on residentially-zoned property per 2014 ordinance amendments (Unified Development Code, Title 16); exact subsection not confirmed. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Keeping allowed on residentially-zoned property per 2014 ordinance amendments (Unified Development Code, Title 16); exact subsection not confirmed — read the official code
“In August 2014, the City changed its ordinances and now allows the keeping of chickens and ducks for egg production (hens only) on residentially-zoned property.” source
“The change means that there is now no permitting process or cap on the number of hens a person can own.” source
“Roosters are still banned.” 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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