§ 18-10. Keeping of fowl.

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to keep, or allow or permit the keeping of or possession of, any chicken, poultry, birds, peacock, pea fowl, guineas or other fowl within the city. The following shall be excepted from the provisions of this section:

(1)

Zoos, fairs, shows and like exhibits issued permits by the city for the showing and keeping of such fowl.

(2)

Parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, cockatiels, lovebirds and similar indoor pet birds actually kept in a residence in confinement, if in compliance with state and federal law.

(3)

Water fowl on any public lake or pond or other lake or pond used by the public such as a subdivision lake or pond.

(4)

No more than four domesticated female chickens which shall be kept or maintained on lots with single-family dwellings only. No roosters shall be allowed.

a.

Such domesticated female chickens (hens) must be confined in a coop not less than 18 inches in height off the ground and with a minimum floor area of two square feet per hen over four months of age, connected to a run of not less than nine square feet for one bird; 12 square feet for two birds; 16 square feet for three birds; or 20 square feet for four birds over four months of age, which shall be fully enclosed. The total area for the coop and run area shall not exceed 100 square feet. Coops must be completely enclosed and constructed in a uniform manner of a sturdy material that provides protection from potential predators and the elements and properly ventilated. Runs must be constructed of a fencing material that prevents potential predators from getting in and prevents the hens from escaping. The run must be well drained so there is no accumulation of chicken excrement and shall be cleaned regularly of all droppings and excretion disposed of in a manner so as not to cause an odor or attract flies, unless otherwise disposed of in accordance with any federal, state or local health regulations.

b.

Coops must be located in the rear yard of single-family residences only, and must meet accessory building setbacks (three feet) as per the zoning ordinance. In addition, coops must be located at least 50 feet from the nearest residence other than that of the owner.

c.

Coops must be screened from the side and/or rear property lines by shrubbery or a privacy fence.

d.

No person shall slaughter any chickens on the premises. It shall be unlawful to raise chickens for commercial purposes within the city limits or to sell eggs laid by chickens kept in the city limits.

e.

No person shall keep chickens on his premises within the city without first obtaining a completed and approved application (renewable annually) along with an initial and annual compliance inspection and payment of a fee as set by the city council.

f.

No person shall keep chickens on his premises within the city without first obtaining written permission from abutting property owners in the initial application process.

g.

A permit to keep hens may be suspended, revoked or not issued by the city where there is a risk to public health or safety or for any violation of or failure to comply with any provision of other applicable ordinances or laws, including local subdivision covenants.

(Ord. No. 92-06, § 1, 3-9-1992; Ord. No. 12-11, § 1, 12-10-2012; Ord. No. 14-05, § 1, 2-24-2014)