Last week, our City Council approved Ordinance 1685-25, allowing residents to keep chickens for personal use. The ordinance supports sustainable living while maintaining neighborhood standards.
Here’s a quick summary of what residents need to know:
Number and Type of Chickens
- Up to 6 chickens per property
- Or 10 chickens per acre of land
- Hens only (no roosters allowed)
- No restriction on chicken species
Personal Use Only
- Chickens may not be used for commercial breeding or fertilizer production
- Slaughtering is allowed only indoors and for personal consumption
Containment Required
- Chickens must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times
- Must be secured in a henhouse or chicken tractor at night
- Enclosures must be clean, dry, odor-free, and sanitary
- Must keep out rodents, wild birds, and predators
Henhouse and Pen Requirements
- Must be enclosed on all sides with a roof and locking doors
- Openings must be covered with predator-proof wire (1 inch or smaller)
- Materials must be consistent (no scrap or mismatched materials)
- Must be located in the rear yard
- At least 10 feet from property lines
- At least 25 feet from homes, churches, schools, or businesses
- Pens must be sturdy and covered with wire, netting, or a solid roof
Feed and Water
- Chickens must have access to clean water and feed at all times
- Feed must be stored to prevent access by rodents or wild animals
- Uneaten feed must be removed promptly
Odor and Noise
- Odors must not be noticeable at property lines
- Noise must not disturb neighbors
Waste Disposal
- Manure must be stored in a covered container (limit: 3 cubic feet)
- Manure not used for compost or fertilizer must be removed
- Areas must be kept clean and free of trash
Chickens At-Large
- Chickens must remain in enclosures and on the owner’s property
- Dogs or cats that kill a chicken are not considered dangerous by default
Violations and Penalties
- It is unlawful for any person to keep chickens in violation of any provision of this section.
- It is unlawful for any owner, renter or leaseholder of property to allow chickens to be kept on the property in violation of the provisions of this section.
- Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to enforcement.
For the full ordinance, please click here. If you have questions, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 573-592-3111.
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