(A) Purpose of chickens. It is recognized that the ability to cultivate one’s own food is a sustainable activity that can also be a rewarding pastime. Therefore, it is the purpose and intent of this section to permit the keeping and maintenance of chicken hens for eggs and meat sources in a clean and sanitary manner that is not a nuisance to or detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AT LARGE. A chicken out of its chicken run, off the premises, or not under the custody and control of the owner.
CHICKEN. A female chicken or hen.
CHICKEN COOP. A structure providing housing for chickens, made of wood or other similar materials, that provides shelter from the elements.
CHICKEN RUN. A fenced outside yard for the keeping and exercising of chickens.
OWNER. The resident, property owner, custodian, or keeper of any chicken.
PREMISES. Any platted lot or group of contiguous lots, parcels, or tracts of land.
(C) Permit. No person shall maintain a chicken coop and/or chicken run in the residential districts unless granted a permit by the city. The permit shall be subject to all terms and conditions of this section and any additional conditions deemed necessary by the city to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The necessary permit may be obtained from the City Clerk-Treasurer’s office and shall be valid for three years. Included with the information required prior to issuance of the permit must be a scaled diagram that indicates the location of any chicken coop and run, and the approximate size and distance from adjoining structures and property lines. A permit for the keeping of chickens may be revoked or suspended by the Council for any violation of this section following written notice and a public hearing.
(D) General permit requirements. In the case of rental residential property, including multi-family residential property, written permission must be given by the property owner for a tenant to keep or harbor chickens on said residential premises. It is unlawful for any person to own, control, keep, maintain, or harbor hen chickens on any premises in the R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts within the city unless issued a permit to do so as provided herein.
(1) The keeping of chickens shall not be allowed on properties within the R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts of less than one-quarter acre in size. No permit shall be issued for the keeping or harboring per the following maximum numbers:
(a) Tier I consisting of one to six chickens: minimum one-quarter acre;
(b) Tier II consisting of seven to 12 chickens: minimum one-half acre; and
(c) Tier III consisting of 13 to 20 chickens: minimum one acre.
(2) The keeping of any poultry besides hen chickens is prohibited in all zoning districts.
(3) All chicken coops and runs must meet the setback requirements of the Building and Zoning Codes. If applicable, an electrical permit is required.
(4) No person shall keep roosters or adult male chickens on any property within the city.
(5) Chickens are specifically limited to the following designated zoning districts: AG, RR, R-1, and R-2.
(6) Permits may be revoked due to cruelty to the chickens, if the chickens become a nuisance, or any violation of non-compliance of this section.
(7) Outdoor slaughtering of chickens in the R-l and R-2 Zoning Districts is prohibited.
(8) Chicken fighting shall not be allowed anywhere within the city limits.
(9) Chickens shall not be housed in a residential house.
(10) Chickens must be confined at all times in a chicken coop or chicken run. Chicken coops and chicken runs shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Located in the side or rear yard;
(b) The shelter shall be located closer to the chicken owner’s dwelling than to any of the neighboring dwellings;
(c) Any mobile coop or rolling coop must meet all of the required setbacks at all times;
(d) Meet the setback of at least 25 feet from any residential dwelling on any adjacent lot and at least ten feet from the property line;
(e) Coops must provide protection from the weather and predators;
(f) A minimum of one nest box per four to five birds. Chickens like to be up high, so a place for them to roost is important;
(g) There should be a well insulated area with a light bulb or heat lamp for the winter months as well as ventilation for fresh air; and
(h) A minimum of four square feet per bird, including outdoor space, is required. Coop must not exceed ten square feet per chicken in size and must not exceed eight feet in total height.
(11) Chicken coops must either be:
(a) Elevated with a clear open space of at least 24 inches between the ground surface and framing/floor of the coop; or
(b) The coop floor, foundation, and footings must be constructed using rodent-resistant construction.
Example of simple coop design for up to 16 hens from Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens.
(12) Chicken feed must be kept in an enclosed, rodent-proof container.
(13) (a) All premises in which chickens are kept or maintained shall be kept clean from filth, garbage, and any substances which attract rodents. The coop and its surroundings must be cleaned frequently enough to control odor.
(b) Manure shall not be allowed to accumulate in any way that causes an unsanitary condition or causes odors detectible on another property.
(Ord. passed 4-10-2017; Ord. O-22-24, passed 10-11-2022) Penalty, see § 150.999