Council adopts ordinance simplifying chicken rules, cites coop inspections and fees

The Colfax City Council on Sept. 16 adopted Ordinance 24‑06, updating Chapter 6.14 of the animal code to streamline regulations for keeping chickens. The motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously after councilors discussed inspection requirements, minimum property size and the permit fee structure.

Planning and Building official Shawn McSweeney told council the Planning Commission had removed language from the existing code intended to make enforcement and implementation simpler. Councilor Golden identified three primary concerns addressed in the revision: inspection of coops, minimum property size and the fee structure for permits. Councilor Sevedge asked about the process for future amendments if implementation problems arise; councilors agreed serious issues would be brought back to the council for review.

Councilor Huntwork moved to adopt Ordinance 24‑06 and Golden seconded; the roll call vote was recorded as unanimous. The ordinance was described during the meeting as an effort to make the chicken code easier to enforce while preserving the council’s ability to revisit rules if needed. No other legal citations or fee amounts were specified at the meeting.

The ordinance is effective per local code timing; the council did not specify an effective date during the meeting. If implementation issues are identified, staff will return recommended revisions to the council for consideration.