Council amends poultry rules to allow limited roosters after residents press for exceptions

On July 13 the Marshalltown City Council held the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 90 (animal keeping), and adopted an amendment to allow limited rooster ownership for breeding stock.

Assistant Director Clayton Ender summarized proposed changes to definitions, a new 5-acre minimum for domestic livestock, clarified definitions for poultry, rabbits and domestic livestock, and setback and enclosure rules. He said the ordinance would "allow for poultry and domestic fowl on lots 5 acres or larger" and clarified that roosters had been proposed for prohibition consistent with previous council direction.

Public comment included farmers, hobby breeders and neighbors. Joe Darter, who identified himself with Appleberry Farm, said roosters are essential for preserving pure breeds and producing chicks: "It's pretty hard to raise chickens without a rooster or two," he told the council. Several residents said the 5-acre threshold could disproportionately restrict small-property owners and urged alternatives such as limiting by zoning district.

Council members debated and then passed an amendment to permit one rooster per breed for breeding stock. The amendment passed on roll call and the first reading of the ordinance as amended also passed. The ordinance will return for subsequent required readings and public hearings.

Council staff provided parcel maps showing how many properties meet the 5-acre threshold and explained expanded grandfathering provisions for existing livestock uses on smaller properties. The code changes also clarify that coops/enclosures—not roaming birds—are the regulated element and set distance setbacks (200 feet to neighboring residences for livestock enclosures, 50 feet from the street, and 10 feet from side and rear lot lines).

The council closed the public hearing and advanced the ordinance to the next reading with the rooster amendment included.