Support Sustainable Urban Farming: Amend Winterset's Backyard Chicken Ordinances!

Who is impacted?  Who should sign?
Currently, many Winterset Iowa residents are unable to enjoy the benefits of backyard chicken-keeping due to restrictive ordinances. These regulations prevent families from raising hens for fresh eggs, limiting their ability to practice sustainable urban farming, provide educational experiences for their children, and reduce their environmental impact. Families looking for a reliable source of fresh eggs and a way to contribute to food security are most affected, as current rules make this nearly impossible for most homeowners.

What is at stake?  
If the ordinances are not amended, Winterset families will continue to be denied the opportunity to raise egg-laying hens responsibly, missing out on benefits like natural pest control, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, and educational opportunities. By allowing the amendments, the city will enable residents to engage in urban farming, providing fresh food for their families and fostering a greater sense of community. Maintaining the current ordinances means continuing to limit these opportunities unnecessarily.

Why is now the time to act?  
Now is the time to act, as other cities in Iowa have already implemented successful backyard chicken ordinances, proving that urban farming can be regulated effectively and benefit both the community and the environment. As interest in sustainability and self-sufficiency grows, Winterset should join the movement towards responsible urban farming. Amending the ordinance now will provide long-term benefits for families, the environment, and future generations.

Petition to the Winterset City Council and Mayor

Subject: Request to Amend Backyard Chicken Ordinances for Responsible Urban Farming

Introduction:  
We, the undersigned residents of Winterset, respectfully petition the City Council and Mayor to amend the current ordinances to allow for the keeping of up to six (6) egg-laying hens within city limits. This amendment seeks to balance residents' interests in sustainable urban farming with public health concerns and neighborhood harmony. We believe that current ordinances, with their strict lot size and distance requirements, effectively prevent most residents from enjoying the benefits of keeping chickens on their property. We propose the following amendments to ensure both responsible chicken ownership and neighborhood peace.

Proposed Amendments:

1. Chicken Limit and Type:
   - Allow up to 6 hens (egg-laying only) per household.
   - Roosters will not be permitted, ensuring noise control.

2. Housing Requirements:
   - Hens must be housed in a secure, predator-resistant coop and run.
   - Coops and runs must be located at least 25 feet from neighboring residences, minimizing any potential nuisance.
   - Coops must be kept clean and maintained to prevent odor or other sanitation concerns.

3. Public Health and Biosecurity Measures:
   - Chicken owners must adhere to biosecurity measures, including regular coop cleaning, and following best practices to prevent disease spread.
   - A one-time $25 city permit for keeping chickens could be required, allowing the city to monitor compliance and ensuring the welfare of the community.

Rationale for the Amendment:

1. Right to Food Security and Self-Sufficiency:  
   The right to produce one's own food is a fundamental aspect of property rights. Backyard chickens provide families with a reliable, affordable source of fresh eggs, contributing directly to household food security. As recognized in Bormann v. Board of Supervisors in and for Kossuth County, restrictions on property use that prevent families from engaging in this traditional practice may be seen as infringing on individual autonomy, especially when such use does not pose a significant public nuisance.

2. Pest Control and Yard Health:  
   Chickens naturally control pest populations, such as insects and rodents, helping residents maintain healthier yards and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This contributes to the overall health and safety of the community.

3. Educational and Environmental Benefits:  
   Raising chickens offers valuable educational opportunities for children and families, fostering responsibility and promoting agricultural literacy. This also supports local 4-H projects and helps children develop an appreciation for animal husbandry and sustainable practices. Chickens compost kitchen waste and produce manure that can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for gardens, reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable gardening.

4. Noise and Odor Control:  
   The Iowa Supreme Court has established in cases like Zimmerman v. Witte that minor disturbances or inconveniences, such as occasional noise or odor, do not meet the threshold of a legal nuisance. Hens, unlike roosters, are relatively quiet animals. The average noise level produced by a single hen is about 60 dB, similar to a normal conversation. Properly maintained coops have minimal odor and pose less of a nuisance than other common pets, such as dogs.

5. Addressing Public Health Concerns:  
   Concerns about the risk of disease transmission to nearby commercial poultry farms can be mitigated through responsible biosecurity practices. By educating residents about biosecurity and requiring a permit system, the City can ensure that backyard chickens are not a threat to local agriculture. Other cities in Iowa have successfully implemented similar ordinances without negative impacts on nearby farms, demonstrating that proper regulation can mitigate these risks.

Precedents and Community Examples:  
- Numerous Iowa towns, including Adel, Granger, Norwalk, Monroe, Clive, Des Moines, and others, have successfully implemented backyard chicken ordinances with clear regulations to address potential concerns. These communities have demonstrated that backyard chickens can coexist with urban life and nearby commercial farming operations when properly regulated.  
- Historically, backyard chicken-keeping has been a recognized practice in American life. During both World Wars, the federal government encouraged citizens to raise chickens for food security. As economic and environmental concerns grow, we believe that Winterset should join other cities in supporting sustainable urban farming practices.

Conclusion:  
The proposed amendment is in line with modern urban farming practices, supports residents' rights to use their property productively, and addresses the legitimate concerns of public health and peace. It also reflects historical precedents and the values of self-sufficiency and sustainability that many Winterset residents hold dear. We believe that with reasonable guidelines, responsible chicken ownership can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community. We urge the City Council and Mayor to consider these amendments and support urban farming within our city.

Thank you for your consideration.