The West Burlington City Council has delayed action on a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to keep chickens in residential neighborhoods. Council members voted Wednesday to table the second reading after City Councilor Therese Lees said changes requested during the first reading were not included in the version prepared by city staff.
The council has been working on the ordinance for several months. Members previously rejected a proposal that would have limited chickens to agricultural-zoned property or lots of at least two acres. Because the city has only one agricultural-zoned property—Homestead 1839—and no residential lots that large, the council instead directed staff to draft an ordinance allowing chickens through a permit process with requirements for setbacks, enclosures, and limits on the number of birds.
The issue will now be discussed during a council work session on July 8 at 5:30 p.m., before the ordinance returns for further consideration.
