Can I keep chickens in Marion, IA?
Yes, with conditions — Marion allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 10 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Marion Code of Ordinances Ch. 117, Art. II (Urban Chickens and Ducks), 117-22 to 117-37, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 10 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Permit required (fee by resolution, neighbor notice, approved class). Six female hens max per tract (wings clipped). Residential/PDR-zoned single-family lots without restrictive covenants. Henhouse/pen in rear or side yard, >=10 ft from property line and >=25 ft from any adjacent dwelling, church, school, or business. Manure <=3 cu ft covered. |
| Code section | Marion Code of Ordinances Ch. 117, Art. II (Urban Chickens and Ducks), 117-22 to 117-37 |
Marion allows a maximum of six female chickens (no roosters) per tract under an urban-chicken permit, available for residential or planned-development residential lots without covenants prohibiting chickens, and conditioned on neighbor notice and completion of an approved class. Henhouses and pens must be in the rear or side yard, at least 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from any adjacent dwelling, church, school, or business. Slaughtering chickens in the city is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Marion?
Yes, with conditions — Marion allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Marion Code of Ordinances Ch. 117, Art. II (Urban Chickens and Ducks), 117-22 to 117-37).
How many chickens can I keep in Marion?
Up to 6 hens. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Marion?
Yes — Marion requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Marion?
No — roosters are prohibited in Marion.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Marion?
10 feet minimum. Permit required (fee by resolution, neighbor notice, approved class). Six female hens max per tract (wings clipped). Residential/PDR-zoned single-family lots without restrictive covenants. Henhouse/pen in rear or side yard, >=10 ft from property line and >=25 ft from any adjacent dwelling, church, school, or business. Manure <=3 cu ft covered.
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Marion?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Marion's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Marion?
Marion Code of Ordinances Ch. 117, Art. II (Urban Chickens and Ducks), 117-22 to 117-37. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Marion Code of Ordinances Ch. 117, Art. II (Urban Chickens and Ducks), 117-22 to 117-37 — read the official code
“The maximum number of chickens allowed is six per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the tract.” source
“Permit required. No person shall raise, harbor or keep chickens or ducks within the City of Marion without a valid permit obtained from the permitting officer under the provisions of this article, except within the AG Agricultural Holding Zoning District.” source
“Only female chickens (hens) are allowed. No person shall keep a rooster.” source
“Henhouses, chicken tractors and chicken pens must be located at least 10 feet from the property line and at least 25 feet from any adjacent residential dwelling, church, school or place of business.” 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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