Dear Mt. Morris City Council,

I am writing as a resident of Mt. Morris to formally request a revision to the current municipal code to allow for the keeping of a small number of backyard chickens within city limits.

I propose that the City of Mt. Morris adopt an ordinance that permits residents to keep a limited number of hens (no roosters), subject to reasonable guidelines that address noise, odor, and property boundary concerns.

Proposed Guidelines:

• Limit of 3 to 6 hens per household.
• No roosters allowed.
• Chickens must be kept in a secure, predator-proof coop
• Coops must be located a minimum distance of 25 feet from neighboring residences.
• Feed must be stored in sealed containers to deter pests.
• Owners must maintain clean living conditions to prevent odors and attractants.
• No slaughtering of chickens on premises.
• A simple registration or permit process, if deemed necessary.
  
  Benefits of Allowing Backyard Chickens:
• Sustainability & Food Security: Chickens provide a local, sustainable source of eggs and help residents reduce food waste through composting and feed recycling.
• Education & Responsibility: Raising chickens teaches children and families about animal care, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. 
• Pest Control & Soil Health: Chickens reduce insect populations and contribute to composting efforts, enriching soil in backyard gardens.
• Growing Popularity: Many cities across the U.S., including the City of Burton and the City of Davison, have successfully implemented backyard chicken ordinances with minimal issues.

Limiting keeping to hens only and enforcing coop sanitation requirements greatly reduces concerns regarding noise and odor. In cities that have adopted similar policies, community complaints are rare; when reasonable limits are respected.

I respectfully ask the council to consider reviewing this issue and welcome the opportunity to be involved in further discussions or to provide research, sample ordinances, and community input on this matter.

Thank you for your time and dedication to improving our city. I look forward to the possibility of working together to create a thoughtful, balanced ordinance that benefits residents while maintaining neighborhood standards.

Kailey McIntyre 
Resident of Mt. Morris & Bird Lover


https://greenamerica.org/green-living/many-benefits-backyard-chickens

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https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/why-organic/better-for-animals/keeping-chickens-what-are-the-benefits/