Residents push for backyard chicken legalization in light of egg shortages

Residents of Raymore, MO, are advocating for the legalization of backyard chickens, a topic that gained traction during the City Council meeting on February 24, 2025. A community member representing a Facebook group expressed the desire to align local regulations with those of nearby cities, such as Pleasant Hill and Lee's Summit, which allow residents with properties of at least two-tenths of an acre to keep up to six chickens for egg production. The speaker emphasized that the initiative is not about raising chickens for slaughter but rather for personal consumption, addressing the rising cost and limited availability of eggs in stores.

Concerns regarding potential odors and the management of chickens were also raised, suggesting that proper coop maintenance, including the use of sand to mitigate smells, could be part of the discussion. The resident urged the council to consider revisiting the topic for a vote, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable food sources within the community.

In addition to the backyard chickens discussion, the meeting included a report from the Public Works Department. Mr. Salisbury detailed the city's response to three winter weather events in February, including ice and snow, and reassured the council that the city has sufficient supplies of salt for any future weather challenges. He also reported ongoing issues with a major break in the force main, indicating a need for early mobilization to address recurring problems and reduce repair costs.

The discussions from the meeting reflect a community eager to explore sustainable practices while also addressing infrastructure challenges, setting the stage for future council actions that could significantly impact local residents.