Iowa City Finally Passes "Urban Chicken" Ordinance -- However Neighbors Can Veto Your Decision to Build a Coop!

It has taken several years of active campaigning, but advocates of urban chicken farmers here in Iowa City have finally met their goal. The Iowa City City Council finally voted in favor of an ordinance that regulates the keeping of chickens within city limits. Those interested in raising chickens may apply for three-year permits that outline the structure of chicken coops and pens, which allow up to four hens, and which prohibit roosters.

However, there is one potential barrier that every potential urban chicken farmer will need to overcome before they can finally buy their hens. They better be on good terms with their neighbors, because their neighbors will have veto power over their ability to raise their hens.

Iowa City has been resisting chickens for years. Other nearby communities, on the other hand, have readily approved urban chicken ordinances and as near as I can tell, there have been very few problems with any of these communities related to urban chickens. These communities include Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon, Hills, and Ames.