Possible Ordinance to Allow “Urban Chickens” in Charles City Could be Ready to Take Flight

An ordinance to possibly allow residents to own chickens within the city limits of Charles City isn’t ready to fly just yet, but there may be an “egg-cellent” chance one could be “hatched.”.

During a planning session last week (07.13), the City Council once again discussed a possible ordinance for the ownership of chickens in the City. Once again, Councilman Patrick Lumley expressed opposition to the idea.

But, if chickens are allowed, residents shouldn’t be able to get into to it for “chicken feed.”

Resident Mike Smith, who says he’s had chickens in town for five years, said not everyone should be allowed to have chickens.

Police Chief Hugh Anderson said he was not in favor of chickens, however….

A concern also shared by Councilwoman Phoebe Pittman.

Councilman Phillip Knighten lobbied that chicken ownership is worth a try.

Because it was a planning session, the Council took no official action, but the consensus was to have Development Services Director Chris Miller make adjustments to the preliminary draft and bring it back for further consideration.

Discussion and review of the ordinance draft, along with a possible first reading of the ordinance (which would take two more readings for passage), are on the agenda for Monday (07.20) night’s City Council meeting starting at 6 PM in the Zastrow Room of the Charles City Public Library.