MONROE - A group of Monroe residents who want to raise chickens in their backyards may get their wish granted as the city takes steps to adopt an ordinance allowing chickens in the city.
Earlier this month, members of the Judiciary and Ordinance Review committee considered adding chickens as an allowed animal within city limits, rather than classify them as farm animals as they currently are.
Joe Hatch, a Monroe resident, believes raising chickens in the city shouldn't pose a problem. He was present for the committee meeting alongside Jeff Severson, another backyard chicken enthusiast, and is optimistic after representatives took the time to investigate chicken ordinances in other cities.
"It was much more positive than I anticipated," Hatch said. "With most people, they are either indifferent or against them for one reason or another, but the alders seemed more open to it and their willingness has been proactively positive in our favor."
Committee members evaluated ordinances from other cities to gauge parameters for keeping backyard chickens. Limitations included that there be no more than six chickens on a property; they can be kept only on lots of a single family residence; and fencing is required. Also considered was requiring 4-square-feet per chicken; keeping runs 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from neighboring livable structures; and a prohibition on roosters. Members decided to include the requirement of a city permit and provisions to address any issues with upkeep by owners.
The committee will look at the draft ordinance again before it goes to the full common council.
Severson said he and his wife Lisa Hemmersbach want to have three to four hens to accompany their diverse garden.
"We want to be able to raise our chickens for eggs, just eggs for our family," Severson said. "We're really into gardening and growing our own produce, so this would just be another piece of that puzzle."
Severson said the real enthusiast is his wife, who spends hours in the garden to ensure they have fresh vegetables with every meal, as well as some to can or freeze for the long winter months. The couple's dedication to raise and feed their own chickens has even sparked conversation of leaving the city. Severson said he was glad to see serious consideration, including research done about other cities who have taken on urban chickens, from city alders.
"I was pleasantly surprised. I expected to encounter a little bit of negativity or skepticism, but they had clearly done their homework," Severson said.
Juda had not had an ordinance regulating the upkeep of chickens within city limits, but will have a meeting in October to determine if the public wants a limit on the number of chickens per lot.
Deb Myers, who lives on the outskirts of Juda, said she believes having chickens within city limits, whether Monroe or anywhere else in Green County, is a positive thing, citing the excitement her grandchildren show when they visit from Monroe.
"I think it should go through, but I think people should be well-prepared," Myers said. "You have to be a good steward - to your neighbors and to your animals."
Myers pointed to a number of variables involved in raising chickens, from the right materials to ensuring there is a place to keep the animals during the freezing temperatures of winter and blazing humidity of summer. She said those who take on the responsibility should be well-versed in what it takes to raise chickens.
Carol Greiner, who has chickens in Juda, said chickens provide a number of benefits.
"I see no reason not to," Greiner said. "It's an extension of the garden. I have three kids and they love them."
Greiner said a bonus of having chickens is the lack of insects and pests on her property. She added that she likes having the eggs at her fingertips because it gives her the choice to control some of the items her family eats on a daily basis.
As for noise or odor, Greiner agreed with Myers: She said upkeep is important, and it is necessary to take those around the entire neighborhood into consideration.
However, she said her family pets have never caused any issues between her family and those nearby.
"If I didn't tell my neighbors, they wouldn't even know they were there," Greiner said.
Earlier this month, members of the Judiciary and Ordinance Review committee considered adding chickens as an allowed animal within city limits, rather than classify them as farm animals as they currently are.
Joe Hatch, a Monroe resident, believes raising chickens in the city shouldn't pose a problem. He was present for the committee meeting alongside Jeff Severson, another backyard chicken enthusiast, and is optimistic after representatives took the time to investigate chicken ordinances in other cities.
"It was much more positive than I anticipated," Hatch said. "With most people, they are either indifferent or against them for one reason or another, but the alders seemed more open to it and their willingness has been proactively positive in our favor."
Committee members evaluated ordinances from other cities to gauge parameters for keeping backyard chickens. Limitations included that there be no more than six chickens on a property; they can be kept only on lots of a single family residence; and fencing is required. Also considered was requiring 4-square-feet per chicken; keeping runs 10 feet from the property line and 25 feet from neighboring livable structures; and a prohibition on roosters. Members decided to include the requirement of a city permit and provisions to address any issues with upkeep by owners.
The committee will look at the draft ordinance again before it goes to the full common council.
Severson said he and his wife Lisa Hemmersbach want to have three to four hens to accompany their diverse garden.
"We want to be able to raise our chickens for eggs, just eggs for our family," Severson said. "We're really into gardening and growing our own produce, so this would just be another piece of that puzzle."
Severson said the real enthusiast is his wife, who spends hours in the garden to ensure they have fresh vegetables with every meal, as well as some to can or freeze for the long winter months. The couple's dedication to raise and feed their own chickens has even sparked conversation of leaving the city. Severson said he was glad to see serious consideration, including research done about other cities who have taken on urban chickens, from city alders.
"I was pleasantly surprised. I expected to encounter a little bit of negativity or skepticism, but they had clearly done their homework," Severson said.
Juda had not had an ordinance regulating the upkeep of chickens within city limits, but will have a meeting in October to determine if the public wants a limit on the number of chickens per lot.
Deb Myers, who lives on the outskirts of Juda, said she believes having chickens within city limits, whether Monroe or anywhere else in Green County, is a positive thing, citing the excitement her grandchildren show when they visit from Monroe.
"I think it should go through, but I think people should be well-prepared," Myers said. "You have to be a good steward - to your neighbors and to your animals."
Myers pointed to a number of variables involved in raising chickens, from the right materials to ensuring there is a place to keep the animals during the freezing temperatures of winter and blazing humidity of summer. She said those who take on the responsibility should be well-versed in what it takes to raise chickens.
Carol Greiner, who has chickens in Juda, said chickens provide a number of benefits.
"I see no reason not to," Greiner said. "It's an extension of the garden. I have three kids and they love them."
Greiner said a bonus of having chickens is the lack of insects and pests on her property. She added that she likes having the eggs at her fingertips because it gives her the choice to control some of the items her family eats on a daily basis.
As for noise or odor, Greiner agreed with Myers: She said upkeep is important, and it is necessary to take those around the entire neighborhood into consideration.
However, she said her family pets have never caused any issues between her family and those nearby.
"If I didn't tell my neighbors, they wouldn't even know they were there," Greiner said.