In Newton, IA, the city ordinance allows 4 chickens or/and ducks to people who live on a property of 1 acre or more. However, within city limits, over 99% of home lots are not this large. Even with less than 1 acre of land, many lots have ample yard space for happy and well-cared for chickens without disturbing the neighborhood in which they live. 

In todays economy, with the rising costs of food and supplies, it’s important that residents are able to be as self-sufficient as possible. Those of us who choose this path are able to grow large gardens, sell and buy at farmers markets, and trade and barter with friends and neighbors who do the same. Being able to add chickens to that system would greatly increase our ability to maintain better quality diets, with fresh eggs and chicken meat.

I understand there are concerns about nuisance to neighborhoods. That is why I also propose rules for owning chickens: 

Backyard Poultry Proposal for Newton, Iowa

Presented by a local resident advocating for sustainable living and fair access to small-scale poultry keeping.

Proposal Overview

Update Newton’s municipal code to allow residents to keep a small number of backyard hens or ducks for personal use and limited local egg sharing/sales.

Why It Matters

- Less than 1% of Newton residents qualify under the current 1-acre rule.

- Over 20 nearby Iowa towns allow poultry with no major issues.

- Backyard hens/ducks offer food security, education, and therapeutic benefits.

- Female birds are quieter and less disruptive than many existing pets.

Key Proposal Elements

- Minimum of 6 hens or ducks (female only).

- No roosters or drakes allowed.

- Permit required: $25–$50 annually.

- Setbacks of 10–15 ft from property lines.

- Birds must remain on the owner’s property (fenced).

- Clean, secure, predator-proof coops required.

- Feed stored securely; waste must be managed to avoid odor/pests.

- Optional: limited egg sharing or sales to neighbors/farmers market.

- Permit revocation clause for repeated violations.

- Perhaps some sort of required educational materials on the care and keeping of backyard chickens, to ensure the proposed rules are understood and followed by those who choose to keep them. 

In conclusion, allowing backyard chickens and ducks under a revised city ordinance could be very beneficial to Newton residents. Please consider this and all those who support it.