By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – A proposal to remove the neighbor approval requirement from Humboldt’s proposed backyard chicken ordinance failed Monday night, leaving the ordinance unable to move forward before the City Council.
Council member Ann Phillips introduced an amendment that would have eliminated a provision requiring applicants to obtain approval from neighboring property owners before receiving a permit to keep backyard hens.
Phillips said she believed the ordinance already included enough safeguards without requiring neighbors to sign off on an application.
“I personally don’t feel like that’s in the spirit of neighborliness,” Phillips said. “I feel like it will encourage bad feelings.”
Phillips also questioned whether requiring neighbor approval could create a “slippery slope” by allowing neighbors to influence how private property is used.
The proposal generated discussion from both council members and residents.
Council member John Sleiter said the neighbor approval provision was originally included to discourage conflicts before they began.
“I don’t want chickens in my neighbor’s backyard,” Sleiter said. “I like my neighbors. I have good neighbors, and I really don’t want to make them mad.”
Sleiter added he remains opposed to allowing backyard chickens in the city.
“My opinion is if you want chickens, move to the country,” he said.
Residents who spoke in favor of removing the neighbor clause argued it gives neighboring property owners too much authority over someone else’s property rights.
One resident told the council the ordinance already contains strict requirements, including annual permits, inspections, setbacks from property lines, enclosed coops, limits of six hens and a prohibition on roosters.
Supporters also noted that backyard hens would be kept in enclosed runs and treated more like household pets than free-ranging farm animals.
Another resident questioned whether opposition to backyard chickens was based on evidence.
“I’d like to hear some science-based facts on why, other than simply neighbors don’t like each other,” the resident said.
During discussion, council members also raised concerns about enforcement, neighborhood disputes and whether larger setbacks from neighboring property lines should be required.
The amendment to remove the neighbor approval requirement failed on a 4-1 vote, with Phillips casting the only vote in favor.
The draft ordinance would have allowed up to six hens while prohibiting roosters. It also required annual permits, inspections, coop standards and setbacks from property lines.