If you reside in a city where urban livestock keeping is permitted, you may be required to obtain a permit or meet certain standards to keep goats or sheep. In some Iowa cities, pygmy goats are considered pets and are allowed in households. The raising of goats or sheep can be a rewarding task but before you engage in the practice, you need to make sure it's permitted in your area of residence. This involves calling your local animal control or zoning office. Meanwhile, here are eight Iowa municipalities that permit goats and sheep.
Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines, IA, pygmy goats are considered pet animals. Under Des Moines' Animal Ordinance, a maximum of 3 pygmy goats is allowed per property. By ordinance, all enclosures or pens in which pet pygmy goats are kept are required to be cleaned every other day or more often if deemed advisable or necessary by a health officer. Further, the enclosures should be situated at least 25 feet from a neighboring dwelling. Pygmy goat enclosures should not be located in the front yard of a dwelling.
To keep sheep and standard-sized goats in Des Moines, an acre of land is required. As required by Chapter 18, Article I, Sec. 18-4 of the city code, all sheep and standard-sized goat enclosures should be kept 75 feet from any neighboring residential dwelling. They should not be situated in the front yard area. A maximum of 2 sheep or standard-sized goats is allowed per acre of land. For each additional acre over one acre, one sheep or standard-sized goat is allowed.
Council Bluffs, IA
A Farm Animal Permit is required to own goats or sheep in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Under the City's municipal code, sheep and standard-sized goats are classified as "Large Farm Animals." Pygmy goats, on the other hand, are classified as "Small Farm Animals." No more than 2 pygmy goats may be kept on any lot, regardless of size. When it comes to the keeping of sheep and standard-sized goats, a maximum of two is allowed per acre. If there is less than one acre of pasture ground, only one sheep or standard-sized goat is permitted.
Marion, IA
In Marion, Iowa, only female pygmy goats are allowed to be kept as pets. There is no limit on the number of female pygmy goats you can keep. But, according to Marion's municipal code, you should not keep such a number of animals as to create unhealthful conditions for your neighbors. All female pygmy goat owners are required to keep all structures or pens wherein the animals are confined clean, devoid of vermin, and free of odors arising from feces.
Marshalltown, IA
You can own sheep and goats in a residential area within the City of Marshalltown, provided your property meets certain requirements. According to the City's Livestock Ordinance, the keeping of sheep and goats is permitted only on lots containing over two acres and not closer than 200 feet from a dwelling.
Johnston, IA
In Johnston, Iowa, one goat or sheep is permitted per lot of 43,560 square feet. For every additional 43,560 square feet over 43,560 square feet, one additional goat or sheep is permitted. No enclosure in which goats or sheep are kept should be located less than 50 feet from any structure or less than 100 feet from any well being used for potable water. The city's animal-keeping ordinance prohibits goats and sheep from creating or constituting a nuisance whether by excessive noise or otherwise.
Fort Dodge, IA
If you reside in Fort Dodge, IA, you need to have 2 acres of land or more to own goats and sheep. Additionally, Fort Dodge's Zoning Ordinance requires all sheep and goats to be kept within an enclosure at least 100 feet from any residence. The keeping of goats and sheep should be for noncommercial purposes only.
Burlington, IA
You can keep goats or sheep on your residential property in Burlington, IA, but not without first obtaining a Livestock Permit from the enforcement officer. The be granted a permit you need to meet certain conditions. For starters, your sheep or goat's housing structure should be so constructed as to minimize noise, smell, or other similar nuisance. Additionally, the housing structure should be maintained to prevent the animals from being at large. By ordinance, you're required to provide a system of disposal for animal waste. Furthermore, your animal housing structure should be located 10 feet from all property lines.
Clive, IA
A maximum of two sheep or goats is allowed per property in the City of Clive, Iowa. To exceed this limit, you need 5 acres of land. According to the City Code, you may not slaughter any goat or sheep on a property less than five acres, for any commercial or personal use. On properties less than five acres, no grazing or feeding is permitted. Further, no animal enclosure should be located within 150 feet of any human habitation or within 50 feet of any property.
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