The first reading of an ordinance to allow residents to own chickens within Charles City passed last week on a split vote among City Council Members.
During their regular meeting July 20th, Councilman Phillip Knighten voted in favor of advancing the measure.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Knighten-Chance-1-1.mp3
Development Services Director Chris Miller has been drafting the ordinance with Council feedback, noting at least one caveat to the ordinance that could prevent someone from being approved for chicken ownership.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Miller-Nuisances-1.mp3
In the event of a violation, City Attorney Brad Sloter said the ordinance gives the police department the option of filing a civil infraction or a simple misdemeanor.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Sloter-Infractions-1.mp3
Councilman Patrick Lumley, who opposes chickens in town, expressed concern over what happens if a violator refuses a court-order to remove chickens.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Lumley-Taxpayers-1.mp3
Lumley and fellow Councilman Jeff Otto voted against the ordinance.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Otto-Nusiance-1.mp3
Mayor Dean Andrews noted conversations among other mayors in cities that have allowed urban chickens.
https://kchanews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2026/07/Andrews-Hotline-1.mp3
Councilwomen Phoebe Pittman and Krista Noah joined Knighten in voting YES to the first reading of the chicken ordinance, which passed on a 3-2 split vote.
The ordinance must pass two more readings before becoming official.
***Click to hear/see more of the City Council discussion
Stay Connected with KCHA News
Add KCHA News as a preferred source on Google to see more local news, weather, and sports in your feed.
Follow us on
Facebook
for breaking news, severe weather alerts, sports, and more.