No Fowl

An offer to complete yearly inspections wasn’t enough to change the “no fowl” ordinance in the city of Hills.
At the Aug. 10 city council meeting, Hills resident Faith Thompson asked about changing the ordinance that prevents residents from keeping laying hens within city limits.
Thompson, who moved to Hills a year ago, inquired on behalf of other residents who were interested in keeping a small coop for egg production.
She offered to enforce a new ordinance allowing chickens within the city limits. She suggested a $25 yearly fee for residents who keep coops in their backyards.
Council members asked how issues such as the number of hens, the handling of manure, chickens running loose, and possible health hazards would need to be addressed.
Thompson said she was asked to address the city council today and was ill-prepared with possible solutions and more formal answers to the council’s questions.
A new ordinance would need to be developed to permit chickens in the city of Hills. “Right now we have an ordinance that says, ‘No chickens,’” said council member Alan Leenderts.
Mayor Keith Elbers said the city has never had an ordinance allowing chickens to be kept in town. Councils have been reluctant to allow the practice because other ordinances are not being followed.
“We have people who don’t even mow their lawns,” Elbers said.
The current council is also skeptical of allowing chickens in town.
“All it’s going to do is manifest itself into headaches,” said council member Stacen Burgers.
The current ordinance prohibits farm animals and fowl within city limits. Farm animals include cattle, horses, mules, sheep, goats, swine, ponies, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens and honey bees.
“It is unlawful for any person to keep any animals as herein defined,” the ordinance states.
Council members encouraged Thompson to gather more information and return to future meetings.
The Hills City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.