On Split Vote, First Reading of Urban Chicken Ordinance in Charles City Advances

The first reading of an ordinance to allow residents to own chickens within  Charles City passed last week on a split vote among City Council Members.

During their regular meeting July 20th, Councilman Phillip Knighten voted in favor of advancing the measure.

Development Services Director Chris Miller has been drafting the ordinance with Council feedback, noting at least one caveat to the ordinance that could prevent someone from being approved for chicken ownership.

In the event of a violation, City Attorney Brad Sloter said the ordinance gives the police department the option of filing a civil infraction or a simple misdemeanor.

Councilman Patrick Lumley, who opposes chickens in town, expressed concern over what happens if a violator refuses a court-order to remove chickens.

Lumley and fellow Councilman Jeff Otto voted against the ordinance.

Mayor Dean Andrews noted conversations among other mayors in cities that have allowed urban chickens.

Councilwomen Phoebe Pittman and Krista Noah joined Knighten in voting YES to the first reading of the chicken ordinance, which passed on a 3-2 split vote.

The ordinance must pass two more readings before becoming official.

***Click to hear/see more of the City Council discussion