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Council grants one‑time variance to allow six female ducks at Long Street home
Summary
After a short public presentation and council discussion, Mountain Grove approved a variance allowing a resident to keep six female ducks in a fenced yard due to household allergies to chicken eggs; council clarified the vote applied only to that property and that broader ordinance changes would require a revision to the city code.
A Long Street resident asked the Mountain Grove City Council Sept. 9 for a variance to the city’s chicken ordinance to permit six female ducks at her new residence because her children are allergic to chicken eggs but not duck eggs. The council approved the one‑off variance by voice vote.
The resident said she would build a coop consistent with ordinance requirements and would ensure the ducks were all female; the council emphasized the approval applied only to her property and that changing the ordinance to allow ducks citywide would require a formal ordinance change.
Council members noted that the original chicken ordinance addressed chickens specifically and had not previously contemplated ducks; several members suggested that other residents could request individual variances or petition council for a broader ordinance revision if desired.
Why it matters: The decision resolves a household accommodation question and clarifies that the city’s current chicken ordinance is narrow in scope; any community‑wide change to permit ducks would need a formal process.
What’s next: The resident was instructed to complete the same application process required for chickens and to follow coop and setback rules; staff will record the variance.
