City Council Reviewing Chicken Ordinance

After having previous discussion regarding a request from a Carlisle citizen to consider allowing chickens, the Carlisle City Council will be holding public hearing on a newly created section of the Animal Protection and Control (Chapter 55) Ordinance that would allow chickens. This ordinance is similar to the current ordinance in effect in the City of Des Moines.  

The draft ordinance language can be seen by following the link at the bottom of this page. The proposed language in the context of the entire ordinance can be seen in a link below as well. 

If the ordinance is passed in its first draft, it would allow chickens, pigeons, or quail to be kept with the following rules or restrictions:

• Up to 6 hens (females) would be allowed. No roosters (males) would be allowed.
• The coop/confinement where the animals are housed would need to be at least 25 feet from neighboring residences
• The coop/confinement where the animals are housed cannot be in a front yard; on corner lots, both building faces adjacent to streets are considered front yards
• The area where housed must be kept free of odors, pests, and excess noise
• Food must be kept in a rodent-proof container
• They cannot be kept in a dwelling

There is currently no language requiring permitting or education requirement surrounding raising chicken or fowl in the ordinance.

If passed, this ordinance would continue to allow the keeping of bees within city limits. There are no specific requirements regarding the keeping of bees currently or in the initial draft. 

City Council will be having the first public hearing for the ordinance at the March 25, 2024 Council Meeting. This will be at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. If you would like to provide feedback on the ordinance, you can speak at that time or submit comment via email to cityhall@carlisleiowa.org or by emailing the Mayor or City Councilmembers via their city email.