Isanti council agrees on draft changes to backyard chicken rules; staff to draft ordinance

The Isanti City Council discussed updates to Chapter 87 (Animals) and directed staff to draft an ordinance that would increase maximum backyard chicken allowances and coop/run size.

At the start of the agenda item, Mayor and councilmembers reviewed the existing approach and noted the current rule effectively allows 60 square feet for six birds. Councilmember Lundin said recommended space per bird is often 12 square feet and some cities allow up to 20; councilmembers discussed a compromise.

After public comment from resident Danelle Manley, who said “6 definitely is not enough” in winter and described low egg yields from six hens, councilmembers debated lot-size thresholds and enforcement implications. Concerns raised included odor and animal-waste management on small lots, potential creation of feedlot-like operations if numbers were unlimited, and whether accessory-structure permit thresholds would be triggered by larger coops.

Council reached informal agreement on a set of parameters to send to staff for drafting: increase the per-bird area to 15 square feet; allow up to 10 chickens on typical residential lots, and allow up to 20 chickens on lots of three acres or more. Council also directed staff to consider limits that avoid turning small‑lot coops into accessory buildings that would require building permits. Councilmember Lundin said she would “go to 10, and I’ll sit and we’re done with this discussion,” while others said the change could be revisited if problems arise.

Ms. Hilsheim (city staff) will prepare the ordinance language for a future council meeting; the council did not adopt a final ordinance at this session and no formal vote was taken.