Missouri Valley code allows chickens only with council consent or where zoning permits
Don Harrold, Executive Editor
editor@enterprisepub.com
Chickens can be kept in Missouri Valley only with written City Council consent or where city zoning allows them, under city code that classifies poultry as livestock. That is according to Turri Colglazier, Missouri Valley city clerk and administrator.
The council voted on the issue in 2025, according to city officials, but discussion of backyard chickens has continued on social media, including claims that the restriction was never voted on.
Colglazier, council member Russ Meadows and Harrison County officials responded to questions from the Times-Reporter by email.
The provision is Section 55.05 of Chapter 55, the city's animal protection and control chapter, Colglazier said.
"So, there isn't a separate ordinance that says 'chickens are prohibited.' The current code addresses them through the livestock provisions," Colglazier said.
"Chickens are currently allowed in areas where the zoning regulations allow them, such as agricultural-zoned property. There isn't currently a separate city permit for backyard chickens," she said. She said any building or coop would be subject to the city's normal zoning and building requirements.
Chapter 55 was adopted as part of the city's 2010 codification, Colglazier said.
"That codification would have gone through the normal public and council process, including public hearings and council votes," she said.
The chapter was amended in 2017, 2020 and 2021, Colglazier said. She said none of those amendments changed the provisions on chickens or livestock.
In October and November 2025, the council discussed a proposed urban chicken ordinance, Ordinance 620, Colglazier said. According to Colglazier, the discussion covered yearly inspections, neighborhood approval, an annual fee, what would happen with people who already had chickens and how complaints would be handled.
A motion to approve the ordinance died for lack of a second, Colglazier said. The council then voted 3-2 on a motion not to allow chickens in the city, and the motion passed. Two council members voted against it.
"I was present at that meeting as a citizen," Meadows said.
Asked about the claims that chickens were never voted on, Colglazier said there was no specific ordinance adopted years ago that simply banned chickens. She pointed to the 2010 adoption of the livestock provisions and the 2025 vote.
"That is why I would say the statement that chickens were 'never voted on' isn't really accurate," she said.
"As far as whether the city could consider allowing backyard hens in the future, I believe that would certainly be something the council could consider," Colglazier said.
Residents who want the city to reconsider can bring a proposal to the city for council consideration, Colglazier said. The council could then decide whether to have staff work on a new ordinance or bring a revised proposal forward.
"It would be helpful for the proposal to spell out exactly what they are asking for — number of hens, whether roosters would be allowed, setbacks for coops, sanitation requirements, inspections, fees, etc.," she said.
Matt Pitt, environmental health and zoning administrator for Harrison County, provided county zoning provisions in response to questions about keeping chickens in unincorporated Harrison County. The provisions specify that structures for keeping animals and fowl in agricultural and residential districts be at least 50 feet from any property line and 25 feet from any dwelling on the site.
In residential districts, structures and adjoining confinement areas for small animals and fowl "on a domestic scale" may not cover more than 400 square feet per acre, up to a maximum of 1,200 square feet. Confinement areas must be at least 10 feet from any property line. The provisions Pitt provided do not set a limit on flock size or address roosters.
Asked whether his office has received complaints involving backyard chickens, Pitt said, "No complaints."
Asked what requirements he would recommend for a city considering backyard hens, Pitt said, "I'd recommend they contact other cities for their ordinances."
