Animal Ordinances in Black Hawk County, IA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the county's Agricultural-Residential district, backyard poultry counts as a "small animal" capped at one animal unit per 1,500 square feet of lot area, with separate density ceilings for large and intermediate livestock and a health-department nuisance standard.
Poultry & Livestock Density Limits, Black Hawk County IA
Some RestrictionsBlack Hawk County Code § 18.30.010(A)(3)
3. Specialized animal farms and livestock subject to the following maximum density requirements: Size and Type of Animal Density Large animals: horses, cattle, elk, deer, and similar animals. 1/20,000 square feet Intermediate animals: sheep, swine, goats, llama, emu and similar animals. 1/5,000 square feet Small animals: poultry, fowl, rabbits, mink, chinchilla, and similar animals. 1/1,500 squ...
Pet Limits
Unincorporated Black Hawk County does not cap the number of dogs a household may keep, but four or more dogs on one parcel legally becomes a "private kennel," a zoning use confined to the Agricultural District with a mandatory 50-foot setback from every property line.
Private Dog Kennel Limit, Unincorporated Black Hawk County
Some RestrictionsBlack Hawk County Code §§ 18.10.010, 18.20.010(A)(16)
“Kennel, dog (private)” means any parcel of land on which four or more dogs are kept; however, this shall not include breeding, grooming, boarding or other activities associated with the care of dogs other than the owner’s dogs. ... 16. Kennels, private, located at least 50 feet from all boundary lines of the property on which located.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Unincorporated Black Hawk County allows veterinary clinics as a permitted use in the Agricultural-Limited and Commercial-Manufacturing districts, but only if the clinic sits at least 660 feet from any residential district, incorporated city boundary, or neighboring dwelling.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning in Black Hawk County, Iowa
Some RestrictionsBlack Hawk County Code §§ 18.25.010(A)(8), 18.50.010(A)(3)
8. Veterinary clinics, but not nearer than 660 feet from any zoned residential district, incorporated boundary line or dwelling other than the lessee or owner of the site. ... 3. Animal hospital, veterinary clinic or commercial kennel, providing an exercising runway shall be at least 660 feet from any “R” district, incorporated boundary line or dwelling other than the lessee or owner of the site.
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