HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-07-I01 Urban Chicken Ordinance - PH AGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: October 7, 2019
AGENDA ITEM: Public Hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 165, Zoning
Regulations, Administration and Enforcement and Chapter 169, Zoning
Regulations, District Regulations, Waukee, Iowa by adding provisions
for Urban Chickens
FORMAT: Public Hearing
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The topic of Urban Chickens has previously
been discussed at a Council Work Session. Staff was directed to create an ordinance for
consideration to allow Urban Chickens. Staff completed research related to several urban chicken
ordinances throughout the State. Locally, urban chickens are only permitted within the City of
Des Moines and City of Norwalk.
The proposed Ordinance would allow for the keeping of up to six chickens on residential
properties located within an R-1 or R-2 zoning district. The proposed ordinance restricts to the
keeping of hens only. No roosters would be permitted. Staff has proposed an annual
application/licensing process that would be managed by the City’s code enforcement officer and
would include information on the number of chickens being kept along with information related
to the site/structures necessary for the keeping of chickens.
The proposed ordinance includes specifications for structures necessary to house the chickens as
well as minimum setback requirements for such structures. Finally, the proposed ordinance
addresses noise, odor and nuisance provisions.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: The Planning and Zoning
Commission reviewed the proposed Ordinance at their meeting held
on October 1, 2019 and recommended approval:
Approval for an ordinance to amend Chapter 165- Zoning Regulations, Administration and
Enforcement and Chapter 169 – Zoning Regulations, District Regulations to incorporate
provisions for Urban Chickens.
Director of Development Brad Deets introduced the request for the amendment to current
ordinances to allow for Urban Chickens in residential areas zoned R-1 and R-2. Mr. Deets
advised it has been a council priority and that the suggested amendment would allow a maximum
of 6 chickens per property in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts provided that the applicant can
accommodate the requirements described in the ordinance. This would include proper housing of
the chickens, complying with noise and odor ordinances, submitting an annual application, and
taking a class about raising urban chickens.
I1
Mr. Deets also mentioned that it should be noted that residential Covenants can still
restrict the presence of urban chickens.
At this time staff would request consideration for the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Broderick questioned if the ordinance would cause issues with
surrounding hatcheries. Mr. Deets advised that the ordinance does indicate that the
chickens are for owner enjoyment, not for commercial use.
Commissioner Tietz questioned if a coop will be required. Mr. Deets advised coops will
be required and that chickens will be stored from dusk to dawn and made to be predator
proof while providing appropriate ventilation.
Commissioner Tietz moved to approve an ordinance to amend Chapter 165- Zoning
Regulations, Administration and Enforcement and Chapter 169 – Zoning Regulations, District
Regulations to incorporate provisions for Urban Chickens. The motion was seconded by
commissioner Koshy. Ayes: Tietz, Broderick, Hoifeldt, and Koshy. Nays: None. Motion Carries.
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Hold the Public Hearing.
ATTACHMENTS: I.
PREPARED BY: Brad Deets, Development Services Director
REVIEWED BY:
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION: Dallas County News
DATE OF PUBLICATION: September 26, 2019