Public hearing for an Ordinance to amend Title 6 of the Davenport Municipal Code by adding Chapter 6.06, entitled, “Urban Chickens” and amending Section 6.04.055, entitled, “Livestock and poultry prohibited” and amending Section 8.12.150, entitled, “Keeping of Animals and Fowl Restricted”. (City of Davenport, petitioner; Case No. 16-04) [All Wards]

There is heightened interest in raising urban chickens as a way to provide fresh eggs for households as well as personal enjoyment and satisfaction.  Many communities in Iowa as well as cities across the U.S. have enacted regulations over the past few years. Communities surveyed indicate no major problems associated with urban chickens outside of occasional nuisance issues.

Council has directed staff to prepare an ordinance for consideration.  The proposed ordinance is similar to recently enacted language in Rock Island and Cedar Rapids which includes the following standards:

• Limited to single family dwellings only

• Limited to no more than six (6) hens.

• Coops restricted to the rear yard no closer than 10 feet from a property line or 25 feet from a dwelling.

• A license from the City (issued by the Revenue Division) is required.

• Training of licensees is required.

• Performance standards to ensure cleanliness of operations are included.

If enacted, enforcement of this ordinance will be the responsibility of the Community Services Division of Public Works.

See attached for additional information.