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Atchison approves zoning change to allow chickens on lots with single‑family dwellings
Summary
Ordinance 67‑23 clarifies that chickens may be kept on any lot with a continuously occupied single‑family dwelling (subject to existing setback, coop and husbandry rules); the planning commission recommended approval and the city adopted the ordinance by voice vote.
City staff presented Ordinance 67‑23, an amendment to section 7‑29 of the city’s zoning regulations clarifying where residents may keep chickens. The change replaces a reliance on zoning district labels with a use‑based test: chickens are allowed on any lot containing a continuously occupied single‑family dwelling so long as setback, coop and husbandry requirements are met.
"We changed the highlighted portion of the ordinance to state that chickens may be kept within city limits of Atchison on any lot or parcel that contains 1 continuously occupied single family dwelling," City Manager Mark Westhoff told commissioners, adding that "no other aspects of the requirements for chickens was changed." He noted the planning commission approved the change unanimously after a public hearing and staff received no negative written feedback.
Commissioners asked practical enforcement questions—how many chickens are allowed (limits tied to lot area and maximum counts), whether roosters are permitted (the city said roosters are not allowed within city limits), and how enforcement would occur (complaint driven via code enforcement). The commission moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance by voice vote.
