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Council clarifies pet ordinance, lot size and chicken rules after resident complaint
Summary
Council members and residents discussed a resident complaint about a chicken coop and reviewed the city’s pet ordinance (adopted from St. Charles County), lot‑size references (0.2 vs. 1 acre) and zoning categories; speakers recalled a prior case allowing chickens on a 0.99‑acre parcel.
A resident complaint about an outdoor chicken coop prompted council discussion of the city’s pet ordinance and zoning rules. Speaker 4 reported a resident’s concern about a rustic chicken coop and asked staff (Jeff) to inspect; the resident alleged an odor problem. Speaker 4 asked whether the inspector had visited and whether the smell was confirmed.
Speakers debated the minimum lot size for keeping chickens. Several participants referenced figures ranging from 0.2 acres to 1 acre. Speaker 1 said the city’s pet ordinance — which Speaker 8 confirmed was copied from St. Charles County — includes a chickens section and setback requirements, and Speaker 1 cited a past case on Henning Road where chickens were allowed on a 0.99‑acre lot after review.
Speaker 5 clarified zoning: R‑1A use regulations permit keeping chickens in R‑1A areas and do not impose a strict acreage requirement in all situations, though subdivision plats and specific lot lines can affect application. Multiple speakers emphasized the practical difficulty for residents on very small lots (for example, two‑tenths of an acre) in finding space for coops without encroaching on setbacks or neighbors.
Council did not adopt a change to the ordinance during this meeting. Staff was asked to follow up on the complaint, confirm applicable lot‑size and setback rules, and report back with inspection findings and any recommended ordinance clarifications.
