Can I keep chickens in Mishawaka, IN?
Yes, with conditions — Mishawaka allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. (Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Allowed with conditions |
| Permit required | No |
| Minimum lot size | 217,800 sq ft |
| Coop rules | Requires a minimum of five contiguous acres within the city, enclosed by a fence to confine the animals. Maximum number determined by current animal husbandry and veterinary standards. |
| Code section | Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals) |
Mishawaka requires a minimum of five contiguous, fenced acres to keep chickens, roosters, or other fowl within the city. On a typical residential lot, chickens are not allowed. There is no flat hen cap (the maximum is set by husbandry standards) and no permit; the binding constraint is the 5-acre minimum. St. Joseph County's separate ordinance does not govern the incorporated city.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Mishawaka?
Yes, with conditions — Mishawaka allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Mishawaka?
It depends on your lot. Allowed only on 5+ contiguous fenced acres within the city; no numeric cap (maximum per husbandry standards). Effectively prohibited on ordinary residential lots. Roosters permitted where the acreage rule is met.. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Mishawaka?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Mishawaka.
Are roosters allowed in Mishawaka?
Yes, with conditions — see Mishawaka's rules (Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals)).
Is there a minimum lot size for chickens in Mishawaka?
Yes — 217,800 sq ft.
What law covers backyard chickens in Mishawaka?
Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Mishawaka City Code Sec. 14-9 (Acreage requirements for certain domestic animals) — read the official code
“The maximum number of such animals which may be maintained on such property shall be determined in light of current animal husbandry and veterinary standards.” source
“Any person desiring to keep any of the following domestic animals or fowl in the city must have a minimum of five contiguous acres of land in the city ... which acreage must be enclosed by a fence to confine such animals: ... (5) Chickens, roosters, geese, turkeys, ducks, or other fowl, except racing or homing pigeons” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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