Can I keep chickens in Mason City, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Mason City allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 25 hens where permitted). Coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (City Code 8-4-4 (Keeping of Rabbits or Poultry), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 25 |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Coop rules | Enclosures must be set back at least 10 ft from any lot line and at least 35 ft from any residence on adjoining property or City right-of-way. |
| Code section | City Code 8-4-4 (Keeping of Rabbits or Poultry) |
Mason City allows keeping a combined total of up to 25 rabbits, chickens, or other poultry only in Z2 Sub-Urban and Z3 General Urban zoning districts (the limit does not apply to occupants with at least two acres). Enclosures must be set back 10 ft from lot lines and 35 ft from neighboring residences. A 2025 proposal to cut the limit to 6 hens and ban roosters was tabled and not adopted, so the 25-bird zone-dependent rule remains in effect.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Mason City?
Yes, with conditions — Mason City allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (City Code 8-4-4 (Keeping of Rabbits or Poultry)).
How many chickens can I keep in Mason City?
Up to 25 hens. Up to 25 combined rabbits/chickens/poultry, allowed only in Z2 Sub-Urban or Z3 General Urban districts; not applicable to occupants with 2+ acres. Zone-dependent.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Mason City?
10 feet minimum. Enclosures must be set back at least 10 ft from any lot line and at least 35 ft from any residence on adjoining property or City right-of-way.
What law covers backyard chickens in Mason City?
City Code 8-4-4 (Keeping of Rabbits or Poultry). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
City Code 8-4-4 (Keeping of Rabbits or Poultry) — read the official code
“It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or raise more than a combined total of twenty five (25) rabbits, chickens or other poultry in any Z2 Sub-Urban District or Z3 General Urban District, except where the occupant shall be in possession of at least two (2) acres of ground for the carrying on of farming or poultry raising operations.” source
“Where permitted, rabbits or poultry shall be kept within enclosures set back at least ten feet (10') from any lot line and at least thirty five feet (35') from any residence on adjoining property or City right-of-way. (Ord. 14-11, 9-16-2014)” 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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