Can I keep chickens in Joplin, MO?
Yes, with conditions — Joplin allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 12 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 50 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Secs. 18-214, 18-218, 18-241, 18-243, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 12 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 50 ft |
| Coop rules | Outside AG zones a Health Dept permit is required showing adequate facilities. Animal yards/buildings must be >=50 ft from the nearest dwelling occupied by anyone other than the permit holder. Min 30 sq ft per chicken outside enclosed coops. Litter/droppings collected daily in a ratproof/flyproof container. Permit valid up to 12 months. |
| Code section | Secs. 18-214, 18-218, 18-241, 18-243 |
Outside agricultural zoning, Joplin requires a Health Department permit to keep chickens, with no more than a combined total of 12 of certain fowl (chickens, turkeys, guineas, geese, ducks, plus rabbits/hares/guinea pigs); roosters are expressly not allowed. Enclosures must be at least 50 feet from any neighboring occupied dwelling, provide 30 sq ft per bird outside the coop, and be kept clean with daily waste removal. Permits last up to 12 months.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Joplin?
Yes, with conditions — Joplin allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Secs. 18-214, 18-218, 18-241, 18-243).
How many chickens can I keep in Joplin?
Up to 12 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Joplin?
Yes — Joplin requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Joplin?
No — roosters are prohibited in Joplin.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Joplin?
50 feet minimum. Outside AG zones a Health Dept permit is required showing adequate facilities. Animal yards/buildings must be >=50 ft from the nearest dwelling occupied by anyone other than the permit holder. Min 30 sq ft per chicken outside enclosed coops. Litter/droppings collected daily in a ratproof/flyproof container. Permit valid up to 12 months.
What law covers backyard chickens in Joplin?
Secs. 18-214, 18-218, 18-241, 18-243. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Secs. 18-214, 18-218, 18-241, 18-243 — read the official code
“No permit shall be issued under this division or be valid if issued for the permitting and/or keeping within the city of a combined total of more than 12 of the following: rabbits, hares, guinea pigs, chickens (roosters not allowed), turkeys (Toms not allowed), guineas, geese and ducks... (Sec. 18-243)” source
“It shall be unlawful, except in the AG zoning districts, for any person to keep any rabbits, hares, guinea pigs, horses, mules, cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, guineas, geese, ducks or pigeons without first obtaining a permit therefor. (Sec. 18-241)” source
“The distance between the exterior limits of the place where animals or poultry are kept and the exterior limits of the nearest dwelling occupied by any person other than the applicant, owner or permit holder shall be not less than 50 feet. (Sec. 18-218)” 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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