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Peosta council adopts ordinance allowing backyard laying hens after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with written and in-person supporters, the Peosta City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-01 permitting residents to keep backyard laying hens under a permitting and standards framework; the adoption passed 4-1 with one councilmember opposed.
The Peosta City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-01, allowing residents to keep backyard laying hens under the city's new permit and standards framework. The council waived second and third readings and approved the ordinance on a 4-1 recorded vote.
Supporters provided written testimony and in-person comment urging adoption. A series of letters read into the record said the ordinance establishes "clear and responsible guidelines" including permitting, setback rules and coop-care standards; one writer told the council, "I encourage you to adopt ordinance 2026-1," citing sustainability, education and humane care. Resident James Lind Decker addressed the council in person and said, "I'm pro chickens. I think you should approve it."
Council debate centered on balancing resident property rights with neighborhood impacts and enforcement. Several councilmembers said the ordinance includes complaint and permit-review processes intended to protect adjacent properties. Other members expressed long-term concerns about where the line would be drawn for other animals in a city setting; one councilmember raised the possibility of a "slippery slope" to other livestock but supported addressing the issue if it arises. The council also discussed practical enforcement issues raised in public comments, such as rodent control and coop maintenance.
The ordinance follows written community input describing benefits including local food production, reduced waste and educational opportunities for children. During debate, councilmembers noted the ordinance had been revised from earlier drafts to incorporate standards and safeguards referenced by supporters and staff. The formal vote to adopt the ordinance recorded four votes in favor and one opposed.
Next steps: the council indicated the ordinance will be implemented with permitting processes and complaint procedures as described in the adopted text. The council scheduled no additional debate on the ordinance at this meeting.
