The City of Indianola survey regarding a possible change in city ordinances to allow the raising of chickens on city property is still available through tJuly 1st, however preliminary survey responses have been released by the city.
According to the city website, early findings show as of 3 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, the survey has generated 952 responses.
Of the total survey responses, 813 respondents self-reported that they live within the City of Indianola. Approximately 74% of those respondents said they have lived in Indianola for six or more years.
-71.71% of Indianola residents (585 survey respondents) were in favor of implementing an ordinance to allow for urban chickens.
-52.77% (429 survey respondents) indicated that they were interested in keeping urban chickens on their property.
-72.94% (593 survey respondents) believe that urban chickens could bring benefits to the community. When asked about perceived benefits, responses generally stated that urban chickens could provide a sustainable source of fresh eggs/chicken, promote sustainable living and reduce food waste.
-All survey respondents were asked about challenges and concerns with urban chickens. Generally, respondents were concerned with noise pollution and noxious sounds that could be produced by roosters, with approximately 46% indicating some level of concern in this area.
Survey respondents were also asked about what regulations they would support for a possible ordinance allowing urban chickens within city limits. Generally, respondents answered favorably towards limiting the number of allowable chickens, prohibiting roosters, requiring minimum coop cleanliness standards and requiring fencing for chickens. Other options part of the survey included prohibiting commercial sale of eggs/chickens, implementing setback/distance requirements from neighboring residential houses and requiring licensing or registration of urban chickens.
The City of Indianola Planning and Zoning Commission will receive and discuss the preliminary report at their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 25th. To view the full initial survey responses, click below.