Can I keep chickens in Urbandale, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Urbandale allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 2 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Urbandale Code of Ordinances Sec. 160.68 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2022-17, 10-6-2022), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 2 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Annual permit; only on owner-occupied single-family detached lots in residential districts. Max 2 hens. Min 4 sq ft per bird; henhouse/pen only in rear yard, at least 10 ft from property line and 25 ft from any adjacent residential principal structure. Predator-proof, locked at night. Manure storage <=3 cu ft, covered. |
| Code section | Urbandale Code of Ordinances Sec. 160.68 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2022-17, 10-6-2022) |
Urbandale allows a maximum of two female chickens (no roosters) on owner-occupied single-family detached lots in residential districts, with an annual permit and completion of an approved urban-chicken class. The henhouse and pen must be in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from any adjacent residential principal structure. Slaughtering chickens in the city is prohibited outside legally operating poultry facilities.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Urbandale?
Yes, with conditions — Urbandale allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Urbandale Code of Ordinances Sec. 160.68 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2022-17, 10-6-2022)).
How many chickens can I keep in Urbandale?
Up to 2 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Urbandale?
Yes — Urbandale requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Urbandale?
No — roosters are prohibited in Urbandale.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Urbandale?
10 feet minimum. Annual permit; only on owner-occupied single-family detached lots in residential districts. Max 2 hens. Min 4 sq ft per bird; henhouse/pen only in rear yard, at least 10 ft from property line and 25 ft from any adjacent residential principal structure. Predator-proof, locked at night. Manure storage <=3 cu ft, covered.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Urbandale?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Urbandale's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Urbandale?
Urbandale Code of Ordinances Sec. 160.68 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2022-17, 10-6-2022). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Urbandale Code of Ordinances Sec. 160.68 (Urban Chickens) (Ord. 2022-17, 10-6-2022) — read the official code
“A maximum of two female chickens, meaning members of the subspecies Gallus domesticus, a common domesticated fowl, are allowed on a permittee's property.” source
“No person shall raise, harbor, or keep chickens within the city without a valid annual permit obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer or designee under the provisions of this chapter.” source
“No person shall keep a rooster.” source
“Henhouses and chicken pens must be located at least ten feet from the property line and at least 25 feet from any adjacent residential principal structure” 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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