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Blue Springs approves backyard‑hens ordinance after amendment; ballot request fails
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance regulating backyard hens with a one‑time permit and no fee after amending the draft to remove annual inspections and permit fees; a motion to place the ordinance on the ballot failed earlier in the meeting.
The Blue Springs City Council adopted an ordinance on May 19 that allows residents to keep backyard hens under a new city section added to Chapter 215. After a council amendment, permits will be a one‑time city permit (valid in perpetuity while standards are met), the annual permit fee was removed, and staff inspection language was pared back; the ordinance passed on second reading and was assigned ordinance number 5421.
Public comment at the meeting was sharply divided. Supporters said backyard hens increase household food security and family wellbeing; Jen Klein told the council that passage would "bring forth new opportunities for our city and new ideas…
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