Cedar Rapids council approved urban chickens last month; more votes on the matter Tuesday evening

CEDAR RAPIDS – It appears that bringing chickens to city backyards requires two different modifications to the Municipal Code, one in the code's chapter on zoning and one in the chapter on cats, dogs and other animals.

On Tuesday evening, the City Council is poised to make the changes.

A month ago, the council voted 6-2 to change the ordinance on animals to allow residents to raise up to six hens on their residential property. The council on Tuesday is slated to approve the second and third readings of the ordinance.

Also Tuesday, the council will hold a public hearing to amend the city's zoning ordinance to allow for the raising of chickens. The council then will vote on changing the zoning ordinance. The council agenda states that the council may vote on all three required readings of the new ordinance on Tuesday evening.

Cedar Rapids Citizens for the Legalization of Urban Chickens has pushed for months to win council support to raise chickens within the city.

The new city ordinance approved a month ago states that chickens must be in a fenced area at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any adjacent home, church, school or business. Odors from the chickens and chicken manure can't be “perceptible” beyond the boundaries of the yard.

The council noted that it can repeal the ordinance if the chickens become a problem.