UPDATE 12/01/17: The issue has been delayed in the city council, so discussion will be at a later date. We’ll update you when we know anything more.
The Des Moines City Council is considering a proposed change to the current urban chicken ordinance. If passed, the new ordinance would:
- Reduce the number of chickens allowed on a property to 15
- Ban the ownership of roosters
- Require any shelter/coop/cage be 25 feet from any residence
The current ordinance allows 30 chickens (including roosters) and roosters are handled under the noise ordinance upon complaint (like barking dogs). The current ordinance also states the shelter/coop/cage must be 25 feet from a “dwelling”, so that would be changed to “residence”.
The city council will be discussing the proposed ordinance at the council meeting on Monday, December 4 at 4:30 at 1551 E. MLK Jr. Pkwy. Those who are interested in commenting, are encouraged to attend.
