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Topeka council refers proposed chickens and roosters ordinance back to committee after extended debate
Summary
Council debated a proposed ordinance to cap household chickens (proposed 8 per property) and ban roosters on lots under 3 acres, citing public-health, rehoming capacity, coop sizing and implementation timing. After public comment and lengthy council discussion the measure was referred to the Policy & Finance Committee for more work.
After a two-hour presentation and public comment on April 14, the Topeka City Council voted to refer a proposed chickens-and-roosters ordinance to the Policy & Finance Committee for further work.
Animal Control Supervisor Jessica Bowers told the council the proposed ordinance would limit chickens to eight per residential property and prohibit roosters on lots smaller than three acres. The proposal would also create a chicken-permit process (initial $40, renewal $20) and a household compliance pathway. Bowers said the department lacks a holding facility for poultry, so staff has asked the community and neighboring jurisdictions for rehoming options if removals become necessary.
Committee and council debate focused on sanitation, enforcement capacity, timing and animal welfare. Council member Kelle pressed for clearer indoor/outdoor space requirements for coops, calling the draft language unclear. "I think 3 square feet is too small," Kelle said of an indoor minimum discussed in the presentation. Supervisor Bowers said the staff intended the indoor figure as a minimum and expected birds to have outdoor access as well.
Other members sought a longer implementation window and more detail about rehoming capacity, saying the city should avoid a short timeline that would force residents to give up animals without adequate placement options. The mayor and multiple council members suggested that additional committee review could refine coop sizing, permit timing, and enforcement steps before the ordinance returns for a vote.
A member of the public, David Peterson, spoke in support of the measure as a measured approach to balance residents' rights and neighborhood impacts.
Outcome: The council voted unanimously to refer the ordinance back to the Policy & Finance Committee for further consideration and refinement; staff said the committee will consider timeline, spacing standards, enforcement and rehoming logistics.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 2928; referral vote recorded SEG 3750–3795.
