MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a special session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, to review regulations regarding the keeping of chickens in residentially zoned areas.
The Muscatine City Council requested the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the current regulations and make recommendations on possible changes to the code following a discussion during the May 7, 2020, Council meeting on amending the regulations to allow for more Muscatine residents to keep chickens at their residences.
The topic was placed on the agenda by Council Member Dwayne Hopkins to discuss the benefits and/or consequences of allowing residents to keep chickens on parcels of less than two acres.
The keeping of chickens in residential areas is regulated by Chapter 29 of Title 10 of City Code according to Andrew Fangman, Assistant Community Development Director. Chickens are classified as “small farm animals” with restrictions on the number of small farm animals that can be kept based on the size of the residential zoned parcel. Specific to the discussion is the regulation stating that small farm animals cannot be kept on parcels of two acres or less. In addition, structures related to the keeping of chickens or any other type of farm animals on parcels of two acres or more are required to be set back 60 feet from the nearest parcel line.
The regulations were first adopted in 1973 and were amended in 2017 when the current regulations were adopted as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the zoning ordinance.
To read the memo and documentation provided to the commission click on CHICKENS or see the Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda for the special meeting.
How to attend, speak at virtual meeting –
Due to the COVID-19 situation, Governor Reynolds has issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency that prohibits gatherings and events of more than 10 people. The special meeting on May 26, 2020, will be held electronically to follow the Governor’s guidelines.
To participate in this meeting go to the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/511583301 or dial into (786) 535-3211 and use access code 511-583-301.
Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings. A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Commission who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn.