Newton adopts ordinance allowing backyard chickens and ducks; council sets $5 per-bird permit fee

The Newton City Council adopted an ordinance expanding allowances for chickens and ducks on residential properties and approved a companion resolution establishing a $5 permit fee per bird.

Supporters who helped draft the ordinance urged the council to pass it and promised to act as a community resource. “Our Facebook group, Backyard Birds for Newton, we would hope to turn that into a resource for people in our community that are having backyard birds,” said Erica Patterson, a resident who addressed the council during the final public hearing.

Council members who voted in favor said the measure responds to citizen requests while creating a local permitting structure. One council member voiced continuing reservations about nuisance complaints and disease risk, saying, “as we look at this a year from now, let’s do the real work of going back out and talking to the folks… What are we hearing for complaints?” The council agreed staff would monitor the program for one year and report back.

Community Development Director Erin Chambers told the council the $5-per-bird fee is the city’s best initial estimate to cover administrative costs and that staff will review the fee after a year. The council adopted the fee resolution at the same meeting.

The ordinance passed on its third reading and the fee resolution was adopted by roll call. Council members said they want to support successful neighborhood implementation and rely on outreach from volunteer advocates if questions arise.

The ordinance and fee take effect according to the city’s publication and implementation schedule; staff will report back on administration and neighborhood impacts as directed.