Of all places IOWA?!? Please help!

[shogun357]

Hello everyone. This is my first post so please bear with me.

I live in Polk City Iowa which is about 15 miles NW of Des Moines. My boys and I are interested in construction a coop and raising a few chickens as pets and for their eggs. I looked up the town ordinance regarding livestock which includes poultry and this is how it reads:

“55.05 LIVESTOCK. It is unlawful for a person to keep livestock within the City except by written consent of the Council.”
I emailed them (city hall) and this is the reply:

Hi Jim, I’m sorry to say that the City Code does not allow for the raising of livestock, which would include chickens. I only know of one instance when the council approved it and it was for one duck for a 4 H project, and when the project was over they had to get rid of it. Hope this answers your question. Sharon

Needless to say I am a bit bummed and a bit angry at the same time.

I did not feel I was asking too much and what bothers me most is that I have to ask anyone if I can raise chickens on my own land. The neighborhood I live in was developed in the mid 70s and does not have covenants of that of a newer neighborhood. Here’s something else … Des Moines is the largest city in Iowa and they allow chickens.

Where do I go from here? Is there anything that can be done other than moving out of town?

Thanks!

 

[bald k9]

Dont feel bad, I live in the middle of the corn fields and we arent allowed to have chickens , we are considered [residential area]

 

[bald k9]

most backyard chickeners use the Dont ask/Dont tell approach,

 

[shogun357]

Quote:
I considered that approach. I’m looking for an acreage now so I do not have to get permission from a council to do something on my land.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Maybe try to start a movement to get the law changed?
Ask around and see if there are others in the area who would support a change in the laws.

Here is a start for a flyer:

September is National Preparedness Month!
GET CHICKENS
Prepare to feed your family in case of emergency.

If a disaster were to interupt the delivery of food to the area,
you would be able to feed your family?
GET CHICKENS
a supply of fresh eggs in your own backyard.

Please help us to change the laws and make it legal to raise your own food.

 

[atomic_chicken]

I think if you want chickens talk to all your neighbours and anyone else living close to you. If no one has an issue with you keeping chickens I would
say go for it. Don't feel bad. You will be doing the right thing and also be doing a good thing for society in general!

Worst case scenario you pay a fine and have to find a small hobby farm for your chickens to live on.

Raising chickens responsibly on our own property is an important step we need to take towards being able to sustain ourselves locally!

Good for you for considering it!

BTW I am also living outside the law by raising six hens in my backyard and the city says I need and acre of land to do so.

You are not alone........Go for it!!!!