Backyard Chickens in Des Moines, Iowa

Can you keep chickens in Des Moines?

Des Moines is one of the more chicken-friendly capital cities in the Midwest — residents can keep up to 30 hens without any permit, and even roosters are permitted with neighbor consent. Just remember to keep coops 25 feet from neighboring homes and out of front yards to stay on the right side of the law.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Under Des Moines Municipal Code § 18-4(h), residents may keep small caged fowl including chickens as an exception to the general agricultural-animal ban, regardless of lot size. On any parcel less than one acre, fowl (combined with other permitted small animals, limited to two species total) may not exceed 30 in total number; on parcels of one acre or more, up to 25 fowl per acre (50 for each additional acre) are allowed. No license or permit is required to keep hens. Roosters are allowed, but only with prior written consent from every abutting property owner or lawful occupant (§ 18-4(h)(8)-(9)); existing rooster owners who cannot obtain consent may keep currently-owned roosters only until December 31, 2026, after which unconsented roosters must be removed (§ 18-4(h)(10)). Coops/enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and may never be located in a front or street-side yard (§ 18-4(h)(1),(6); § 18-137).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 30
Roosters: conditional
Permit required: No
Permit cost: Not specified
Setback from property line: 25 ft.

Peggy knows Des Moines

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Confinement structures (coops, cages, hutches, cotes, lofts) must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and may not be located closer than 5 feet to any property line (§ 18-4(h)(1); FAQ guidance).
Coops/enclosures are prohibited in the front yard or street-side yard of any property (§ 18-4(h)(6), § 18-137).
The area must be kept free of odors, insects, and rodents, and free of disturbing noises such as crowing or cackling that interfere with a neighbor's enjoyment of life and property (§ 18-4(h)(2)).
Enclosures must be cleaned at minimum every other day (§ 18-137).
Feed and grain must be stored in rodent-proof containers, and animals must be fed within their enclosures (§ 18-4(h)(3)).
On parcels under 1 acre, fowl/small animals are limited to 2 species and 30 total individuals; on parcels of 1 acre or more, 6 species and 50 total for the first acre, plus 50 more per additional acre (§ 18-4(h)(4)-(5)).
Young (chicks) may stay with parent birds for about 8 weeks, never more than 10 (§ 18-4(h)(7)).
Roosters require written consent filed with the City Clerk from every abutting owner/occupant; consent is generally irrevocable except in specific circumstances like transfer of the property (§ 18-19).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Des Moines

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5b

Des Moines has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters; average January lows are around 14°F and July highs average around 86°F. Coops should be insulated and draft-free for winter while providing good ventilation and shade for summer heat.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteOpossum

Urban and suburban Des Moines flocks are most commonly threatened by raccoons and opossums raiding coops at night, red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey during the day, and foxes or coyotes that roam even close-in neighborhoods along the city's river corridors and greenbelts. A secure, predator-proof coop with hardware cloth (not just chicken wire) and a covered run is strongly recommended.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Australorp (cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds well suited to Iowa's temperature swings)

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Des Moines

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Des Moines?

No. The city does not require a license or permit to keep hens. However, keeping roosters requires written consent from abutting neighbors.

▸How many chickens can I have in Des Moines?

On lots smaller than one acre, you can keep up to 30 fowl total (limited to two species). On lots of one acre or more, up to 25 fowl per acre are allowed, plus 50 for each additional acre.

▸Are roosters legal in Des Moines?

Roosters are allowed only if the owner obtains written consent from every abutting property owner or lawful occupant, filed with the City Clerk. Owners who can't get consent may keep existing roosters only until December 31, 2026.

▸How far must my coop be from my neighbor's house?

Coops and enclosures must be at least 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling and cannot be placed in a front or street-side yard.

▸What should I do if my neighbor's chickens or roosters are too noisy?

Noise and odor complaints can be reported to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, which handles animal-related enforcement for the Des Moines Police Department, by calling (515) 283-4811.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Des Moines or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked August 29, 2026.