MASON CITY – The public spoke, and city hall in Mason City listened, as the council will no longer entertain at this Tuesday’s council meeting a stricter ordinance on the keeping of chickens on private property.
According to an update released Friday from city hall in Mason City:
The City of Mason City recently proposed a revision to the City Code addressing the keeping of chickens within the city. Due to numerous concerns raised over the last 2 weeks about these changes, this Ordinance has been removed from the agenda for the Council Meeting on July 15th to allow for a work session to be scheduled with those impacted by the proposed changes. The Council desires to have a well-balanced approach to any changes and is looking to incorporate the concerns of the public.
The Ordinance will not be advanced in its current form and will be amended following the Council receiving additional input from the public.
More information regarding these proposed changes will be posted on social media and the city’s website as it is available.
Earlier, city councilman (and candidate for mayor) John Lee had released a statement on the matter:
A Note About the Chicken Ordinance:
Over the past week or so, we’ve heard from many of you regarding the proposed changes to Mason City’s chicken, Rabbit, Poultry ordinance, specifically the suggestion to reduce the number of allowed hens from 25 to 6 and to prohibit roosters within city limits.
Let us be clear: this proposal came in response to real complaints from residents regarding noise, odor, and property concerns. At the same time, we understand that for many in our community, raising chickens is a meaningful and responsible part of their lifestyle. What we initially proposed likely missed the mark, and I own that. But this is the exact reason why we do three readings, so the citizens can hear about it and respond(which you have). The good news is we’re listening.
As of now, the ordinance will be back on the agenda for a second reading and I invite Mason City residents to come share your thoughts again. But I ask for one important thing: let’s not make this a confrontation, too much of that in this world/. This isn’t about control, or permits, or revenue, it’s about finding a workable middle ground between neighbors who want to live peacefully and those who responsibly care for their animals our city but also to give the city some ability to enforce this ordinance against those who aren’t thinking of their neighbors.
If you plan to speak, please come not for a fight, but for a conversation. This is a chance to shape policy in a way that reflects mutual respect and common sense.
I appreciate the calls and emails; but more importantly, your patience. Let’s work together to get this right.