Backyard chickens put on hold in Iowa City

In Iowa City, the flood will come before the chicken.

A split City Council, meeting in a work session last night, gave support to allowing people to keep a few chickens in their backyards.

But the council put the issue on the slow track, agreeing to staff's request to wait a year to vote on a proposal so that flood-recovery efforts can take precedence.

In the meantime, staff will eventually begin work on an ordinance and the Planning and Zoning Commission will take up the issue. A long list of suggested rules would limit people to having up to four hens, but no noisy roosters, and would require permits and notifying neighbors.

Council members Amy Correia, Connie Champion, Ross Wilburn and Mike Wright spoke in favor of backyard chickens, although the latter three expressed reservations.

Correia noted that much larger cities like Chicago and Des Moines allow chickens. Supporters say raising their own chickens is environmentally friendly and saves money.

“And we're here in Iowa. It makes sense,” she said.

Mike O'Donnell, Matt Hayek and Mayor Regenia Bailey were firmly against allowing chickens in city limits.

Hayek said organic, fresh eggs are already readily available in town. Bailey said she lives in a city because she doesn't want to live next to livestock.

“I think, fundamentally, that you have a lot of opportunities when you live in a community,” Bailey said. “And you forgo a lot of opportunities when you live in a community.”

“I don't think four chickens make a farm,” Champion said.

City staff also was split on the matter.

Doug Boothroy, Iowa City's director of Housing and Inspection Services, warned of odor and noise problems and neighborly disputes.

Misha Goodman, the city's animal services director, said that, if maintained properly, chickens are not a nuisance.

There will be at least two new council members next year, which could lead to a different outcome when the matter comes up for a vote. O'Donnell and Correia are not seeking re-election this fall and Champion is being challenged for her seat.