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Council asks staff for more information before changing rules on backyard chickens
Summary
Council Member Spencer Hunt presented information about allowing chickens in town; the council directed staff to gather research on other towns' rules, insurance/liability, and biosecurity and noted the current ordinance prohibits farm animals inside city limits unless on 10+ acre agricultural zoning.
Council Member Spencer Hunt presented information on July 15 about potentially permitting chickens within Kandiyohi city limits. Council members asked staff to research how other towns regulate backyard chickens, to check insurance and liability implications, and to assess biosecurity concerns tied to a nearby truck wash and regional turkey barns.
Current ordinance status: The minutes state it is currently against city ordinances to have farm animals, including chickens, within city limits unless the property is in an agricultural zone with at least 10 acres. Council did not take further action at the meeting.
Why it matters: Changes to animal‑control rules affect residents who may want backyard poultry and also involve public‑health, nuisance, and liability considerations. The council requested more information before contemplating any ordinance change.
