Marshalltown allows backyard chickens on lots of five acres or larger
Marshalltown opened the door to chickens on lots of five acres or larger, but the change still leaves most residential in-town parcels out of bounds.
Marshalltown cleared the way for chickens on lots of five acres or larger, but the new rule still leaves most in-town residential lots out of reach. City council members approved the animal-keeping change after months of discussion centered on Appleberry Farm, the west-side business at 2402 W. Main St. that had been told to remove its chickens.
Before the change, Marshalltown code barred poultry or domestic fowl on residentially zoned property altogether. The city’s livestock rules were already tighter for larger animals, allowing cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, asses and swine only on lots over two acres and at least 200 feet from a dwelling.
The push began with a petition supporting Appleberry Farm, which sells farm-fresh eggs along with produce, jams, syrups, honey and plants. Written comments from Brian Hunter, James Landmark and Martha Landmark backed the farm keeping its chickens. During the June council meeting, Austin Gillis, executive director of the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, warned that backyard chickens can cost more to keep than buying eggs and can attract stray cats and dogs, though he supported making an exception for Appleberry Farm because of its unique setup and the amount of space it has.
In August 2025, the council voted 5-2 to send the chicken question to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review. Nearby communities either ban chickens outright outside agricultural land or allow them only under specific rules. Ordinance 15114, signed on April 13, 2026, repealed and replaced Chapter 90, but the poultry language in the codified chapter still reflected the older residential ban before the latest council action.
The city’s zoning system still leaves several checkpoints in place, including the Board of Adjustment, which hears use, variance and appeal requests under the zoning ordinance. The council itself meets twice monthly, on the second and fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 10 West State Street.
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