Salina, KS – In a significant change to the city’s animal regulations, the Salina City Council has passed Ordinance 24-11198, amending Chapter 7 of the Salina Code. This amendment, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, introduces new provisions for keeping chickens on residential properties within the city limits.
Key Changes:
- Chickens Allowed on Residential Properties: The new ordinance allows residents to keep up to 15 chickens on their properties. This marks a departure from previous regulations that prohibited the keeping of fowl within city limits, with few exceptions.
- Coop and Yard Requirements: Chickens must be kept in accordance with specific guidelines. Coops, tractors, and runs are restricted to rear yard areas that are fully enclosed by a fence. These structures are not permitted in front or side yards, although corner lot properties may have them in side yards behind the home.
- Distance and Sanitation Standards: The ordinance specifies that any chicken coop must be at least 50 feet away from the nearest portion of any neighboring dwelling. Additionally, strict maintenance requirements are imposed to ensure cleanliness and prevent odors or pest infestations. Yard areas must be kept clean, dry, and free from debris, and excrement must be removed daily.
- Inspection and Compliance: Properties where chickens are kept will be subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Owners will be notified of any sanitation deficiencies and required to address them within 24 hours. Repeated violations could result in summons and potential impoundment of the animals.
Rationale and Community Impact:
The ordinance was introduced to balance the desire of many residents to keep chickens for personal use with the need to maintain public health and neighborhood aesthetics. By setting clear guidelines and maintenance standards, the City Council aims to mitigate potential nuisances and ensure that the keeping of chickens does not adversely affect the community.
Proponents of the ordinance argue that allowing chickens will enable residents to have fresh eggs and promote sustainable living practices. Critics, however, express concerns about possible noise, odors, and the enforcement of the new regulations.
Next Steps:
The City Clerk will publish the ordinance on the city’s official website. Residents interested in keeping chickens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure full compliance when the ordinance takes effect at the beginning of 2025.