Ever wondered about having chickens in your backyard? St. Joseph is clucking up some new ideas! City officials are proposing revised regulations that could make keeping fowl on private property easier for residents, but with a few important caveats. Will these new rules fly with the community?

St. Joseph, Missouri, is on the cusp of significant changes regarding the keeping of chickens and other fowl on private property, as city officials unveil revised regulations aimed at modernizing urban animal ownership rules.

Currently, the city’s ordinances impose strict limitations, prohibiting the penning of fowl within 100 feet of any building occupied by human inhabitants. This long-standing rule has often led to disputes and challenges for residents interested in urban farming rules.

The proposed revisions, slated for a first reading at an upcoming City Council agenda, seek to significantly loosen these restrictions. The core of the new St. Joseph regulations revolves around restructuring permitted distances, which will now vary based on the number of fowl a resident keeps.

Under the new framework, fowl would be required to be at least six feet from all property lines. Additionally, they must be kept within a secure, fenced enclosure, coop, or cage, emphasizing the importance of proper backyard chickens management.

Crucially, these enclosures must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner at all times. The updated guidelines specifically address the mitigation of flies and disease, ensuring public health and neighborly peace are preserved, aligning with animal welfare laws.

One key provision in the new regulations is the prohibition of roosters in residential zones, unless the property is specifically zoned for non-residential uses like agriculture. This aims to address concerns about noise and community disruption, a common aspect of local government policy.

St. Joseph Animal Services would retain the authority to inspect premises to ensure compliance with these provisions. The impetus for these changes reportedly stemmed from a local resident’s plea to the City Council in May, after being asked to remove her chickens due to neighbor complaints.

These revised ordinances reflect a growing trend in urban areas to accommodate the increasing interest in urban farming rules and sustainable living while balancing community concerns. The City Council’s decision will shape how residents interact with their local environment and their pursuit of keeping backyard chickens.