Hello, my name is Charlotte Gorden, and I am a resident of Chariton, Iowa. Like many members of our community, I believe residents should have the opportunity to responsibly own and care for a small number of backyard hens within city limits under reasonable regulations.

This issue is about much more than simply owning chickens. It is about food security, sustainability, education, self-sufficiency, and strengthening our community during a time when many families are struggling with rising grocery prices and increasing costs of living. 

Across Iowa and throughout the country, cities are successfully allowing backyard hens with clear ordinances and responsible guidelines in place. Communities such as Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Iowa City, Knoxville, Osceola, Corydon, Leon, Russell, and Carlisle already allow backyard hens while maintaining neighborhood standards and protecting public health.

Backyard hens provide residents with:

• Access to fresh, local eggs
• Greater food independence
• Reduced household food waste
• Natural compost for gardens
• Educational opportunities for children
• Sustainable living practices
• Companionship and therapeutic benefits

Many families today are looking for ways to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on expensive outside food systems. Allowing a limited number of hens can help households offset grocery costs while encouraging healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.

We understand that concerns regarding noise, odor, sanitation, and neighborhood impact are important. That is why this proposal supports clear and reasonable regulations, including:

• No roosters allowed
• Limits on the number of hens
• Proper coop placement requirements
• Secure enclosures
• Cleanliness and waste management standards
• Permit and inspection requirements if necessary

Properly maintained hens are quiet, clean, and manageable when cared for responsibly.

This petition is not asking to turn neighborhoods into farms. It is asking the City of Chariton to consider a modern, balanced ordinance that supports responsible residents while protecting the community.

There has already been previous interest and discussion regarding backyard hens in Chariton, and this petition demonstrates that community support for this issue still exists today.

We respectfully ask Mayor Jayma Davis and the Chariton City Council to consider allowing backyard hens within city limits under reasonable regulations and oversight.

Please sign this petition if you support allowing responsible backyard hens within the city limits of Chariton, Iowa.

We respectfully ask that signatures are from:

✔️ Current Chariton residents

✔️ Property owners

✔️ Local business owners

✔️ People who work in Chariton

✔️ Families and residents within the Chariton Community School District 

✔️ Members of the surrounding community who regularly support and participate in our town

✔️ Local farmers and experienced poultry owners who support responsible backyard hens

While signatures from current Chariton residents living within city limits will hold the greatest value to the mayor and council during ordinance consideration, we welcome support from anyone connected to or impacted by the Chariton community. Every signature helps demonstrate the continued interest, support, and potential positive impact this proposal could have for our community.