Food Systems | Urban Livestock

The city's zoning code was amended in 2015 to allow chicken keeping with a permit in certain zoning districts (§656.422). Up to 5 backyard hens are allowed in conjunction with a single-family dwelling  with a $25 permit; lots larger than 1 acre may keep an additional 5 chickens per additional half-acre. Owners must take a chicken-keeping seminar from the county's extension office to obtain a permit. Performance standards address enclosures; coop design, screening, size, and location; feed storage; sanitation; and nuisance. Roosters and slaughtering are prohibited. Unwanted chickens may only be surrendered to designated locations.

The zoning code briefly addresses other livestock (§656.401). Horses and ponies require a minimum 1.5 acre lot area; goats, sheep, and swine must be kept at least 200' from private property lines.

The hen permit application is available online.