(UPDATE – Thursday, June 20, 2024): After two weeks seeking input from the community regarding the keeping of chickens within city limits, the City of Indianola has compiled an update that includes preliminary data from the survey thus far and next steps for the possible ordinance.
Preliminary Survey Data Highlights
- As of 3 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, the survey has generated 952 responses.
- Of the total survey responses, 813 respondents self-reported that they live within the City of Indianola. Approximately 74% of those respondents said they have lived in Indianola for six or more years.
- 71.71% of Indianola residents (585 survey respondents) were in favor of implementing an ordinance to allow for urban chickens.
- 52.77% (429 survey respondents) indicated that they were interested in keeping urban chickens on their property.
- 72.94% (593 survey respondents) believe that urban chickens could bring benefits to the community. When asked about perceived benefits, responses generally stated that urban chickens could provide a sustainable source of fresh eggs/chicken, promote sustainable living and reduce food waste.
- All survey respondents were asked about challenges and concerns with urban chickens. Generally, respondents were concerned with noise pollution and noxious sounds that could be produced by roosters, with approximately 46% indicating some level of concern in this area.
- Survey respondents were also asked about what regulations they would support for a possible ordinance allowing urban chickens within city limits. Generally, respondents answered favorably towards limiting the number of allowable chickens, prohibiting roosters, requiring minimum coop cleanliness standards and requiring fencing for chickens. Other options part of the survey included prohibiting commercial sale of eggs/chickens, implementing setback/distance requirements from neighboring residential houses and requiring licensing or registration of urban chickens.
Next Steps in Process
Community Development Department staff will present data, provide a report and lead discussion at the next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. Review agenda and agenda packet.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 110 N 1st Street. For those unable to attend the meeting, a livestream will be made available on the City of Indianola’s YouTube channel.
The survey, which launched June 3, will remain open for feedback through July 1.
(ORIGINAL POST – June 3, 2024): The City of Indianola is seeking input from the community regarding the keeping of chickens within city limits. This survey is designed to gather general feedback and interest as it pertains to residential animal raising – specifically chickens.
For questions, please contact the Community Development Department by emailing comdev@indianolaiowa.gov or calling 515-961-9430.
To assist the City of Indianola through next steps, please take a moment to share your feedback and perspectives by July 1 and visit the below survey link: