Peosta council delays decision on backyard-hens ordinance after neighbor-notification debate

Peosta councilors on Tuesday debated a proposed ordinance to allow backyard laying hens in city limits and agreed to defer a public hearing until they finalize neighbor-notification and permit details. Council members raised concerns about whether adjacent property owners should merely be notified when a permit is granted or be given a formal veto right, and discussed permit revocation and enforcement language.

Proponent materials reviewed by the council set modest flock-size limits (members referenced about six hens) and included requirements for coop maintenance and nuisance controls. One councilor said the city could require that a first-time permit-holder notify surrounding property owners to increase transparency while avoiding giving any single neighbor veto power. Another councilor argued that granting a veto to any adjacent owner could create conflicts and impose a heavy administrative burden on applicants.

Council members and staff stressed that the ordinance includes enforcement teeth: if a permitted operation creates nuisance conditions (odor, noise, pests) the city can require corrective action or revoke the permit. Several residents spoke during citizen comment in favor of allowing hens; one described her birds as “pets” and urged the council not to treat small backyard flocks as livestock. The council agreed to place a follow-up discussion on the agenda (no vote was taken and no hearing was scheduled).