With the skyrocketing cost of eggs and other grocery items due to inflation. I believe the residence of Chesterfield should be granted the right to raise their own chickens, which would provide those of us who choose to do so with fresh eggs as well as being able to produce those eggs using chemical free non-GMO non-pesticide non-antibiotic raised chickens under natural conditions to supplement our diet.

Several municipalities near Chesterfield, Missouri, have specific ordinances regarding the keeping of chickens on residential properties. 

• Brentwood: Permits up to six chickens per household. Residents must obtain a permit to keep chickens.

• Clayton: Allows up to ten chickens per household. A permit is required, and chickens must be contained on private property. 

• Crestwood: Residents can keep up to five chickens. A permit is required, valid for one year.

• Creve Coeur: Allows up to eight chickens on properties with a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet. No permit is required. 

• Ellisville: Permits up to four chickens in single-family residential zones. A permit is required, with a nominal annual fee.

• Frontenac: Allows up to five chickens per household. A permit is required.

• Glendale: No specific limit on the number of chickens, but a special use permit is required.

• Kirkwood: Does not specify a limit on the number of chickens but requires that they be confined to the owner’s property.

• Ladue: The number of chickens allowed is based on lot size, with a maximum of six. A permit is required. 

• Maplewood: Permits up to six chickens or ducks per household. A permit is required.

• Richmond Heights: Allows up to six chickens per household.

• Rock Hill: No specified limit on the number of chickens. 

• Shrewsbury: Allows up to five chickens per household. 

• Webster Groves: Requires a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet and allows 8 to 12 chickens. A permit is required. 

Chesterfield is joined by Ballwin and Manchester in restricting residents who have less than 2 acre lots from raising chickens on their property.

Meanwhile, Chesterfield, along with Ballwin and Manchester, prohibits residents with less than two acres from keeping chickens. That means everyday folks—people with normal suburban yards—are being shut out from a basic, self-sufficient way of living.

I believe Chesterfield should follow Missouri state law, which allows citizens to have up to six chickens on their property without interference from local government. It’s unfair for municipalities like Chesterfield to impose strict ordinances that prevent residents from raising chickens, especially when so many other nearby towns have found a way to make it work.

It’s time to give Chesterfield residents the same freedom to raise their own food—just like our neighbors do!