Cape to consider ordinance that would allow residents to keep chickens on property

It may seem like a backwoods issue, but Cape Girardeau may soon join New York, Chicago and Seattle as cites that allow its residents to keep chickens on their property.

After a discussion at Monday night's Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, city staff has been directed to finalize an ordinance that would amend the city code relating to chickens and is expected to be placed on the Oct. 18 agenda for first-reading consideration.

"There really is a movement in many places across the country," police chief Carl Kinnison told the council. "There would be no health problems as long as they are maintained."

The new ordinance would be modeled after a recent ordinance approved in Columbia, Mo., and Boone County. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services drafted the ordinance based on ordinances in other parts of the country.

Currently, it is illegal for residents to house chickens on their property.

According to a city report presented to the council Monday, suggested changes include a definition of prohibited livestock excluding chickens. A provision would also require that the chicken habitats would have to be clean and sanitary at all times, devoid of rodents and vermin and free from offensive odor.

Interior walls of pens or coops would have to be whitewashed or painted annually or more often, as the discretion of the city health officer.

Under the proposed ordinance, the maximum number of chickens allowed would be 10 per tract of land, regardless of how many dwelling units are on the tract. Only hens would be allowed. The ordinance would require that the chickens could be for noncommercial uses only.

The issue was brought to the council originally by resident Nelson Sparks. Sparks admitted at the August council meeting that he keeps chickens on his property for the fresh eggs that the chickens provide. Currently, Nelson is in violation of municipal ordinances.

But Sparks provided information regarding the health benefits he derives from the consumption of fresh eggs. Sparks even brought a letter from his physician supporting this and also provided council with other statistical information regarding the benefits of free-range eggs. Sparks could not be reached for comment.

"But the staff has done research and have drafted this ordinance that allows keeping chickens, but it has quite a few restrictions," said city manager Scott Meyer.

Council members asked Kinnison about his thoughts on enforcing such an ordinance and Kinnison said he didn't believe it would be a problem.

Council member Loretta Schneider said she's heard from some residents who weren't supportive of the ordinance.

"I've had a couple of comments from citizens, and they didn't like the idea at all," she said. "However, I think we're going to see more and more of these types of things in the future."

Council member Debra Tracy, however, said some of her constituents have told her they were in favor of the chicken ordinance.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO