Can I keep chickens in Marshalltown, IA?
No — Marshalltown does not allow backyard chickens in residential zones. (Marshalltown Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Ch. 90 (Animals), Sec. 90.002(B)(1) (Poultry or domestic fowl), verified July 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Code section | Marshalltown Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Ch. 90 (Animals), Sec. 90.002(B)(1) (Poultry or domestic fowl) |
Keeping poultry or domestic fowl is prohibited in any area of Marshalltown zoned residential. The definition covers any live chicken or rooster regardless of purpose. In non-residential areas, fowl enclosures may not be within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line or 50 feet of a street line. NOTE: the city council passed the FIRST reading of a new chicken-keeping ordinance on July 14, 2026 by a 5-2 vote, but two more readings are required before it takes effect, so the prohibition above remains current law.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Marshalltown?
No — chickens are not allowed in Marshalltown (Marshalltown Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Ch. 90 (Animals), Sec. 90.002(B)(1) (Poultry or domestic fowl)).
Are roosters allowed in Marshalltown?
No — roosters are prohibited in Marshalltown.
What law covers backyard chickens in Marshalltown?
Marshalltown Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Ch. 90 (Animals), Sec. 90.002(B)(1) (Poultry or domestic fowl). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Marshalltown Code of Ordinances, Title IX, Ch. 90 (Animals), Sec. 90.002(B)(1) (Poultry or domestic fowl) — read the official code
“The keeping or maintaining of poultry or domestic fowl in an area of the city, which is zoned residential is prohibited.” source
“For purposes of this chapter, the phrase POULTRY OR DOMESTIC FOWL shall mean any live chicken or rooster, or any live domesticated, turkey, duck or goose, regardless of the purpose for which any of these birds is owned or possessed.” source
“In an area of the city, which is not zoned residential, the keeping or maintaining of poultry or domestic fowl enclosures within ten feet of any side lot line or rear lot line or within 50 feet from any street line is prohibited.” source
Last verified July 26, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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