Letter to the Editor: Backyard chicken coops should be welcomed in Charles City

By Christine Tonn, Charles City

I read in the Charles City Press that the City Council is once again considering not allowing the raising of chickens within the city limits.

I live in Charles City. Even though I have no desire to raise chickens myself, I see no harm in allowing a small coop with a few hens being kept in a backyard.

I certainly remember from my childhood my great grandparents, who lived on South Iowa Street, having a chicken coop in their backyard. They had fresh, healthy eggs every day.

My niece, who lives in a city in Oklahoma that’s much larger than Charles City, can raise fancy chickens in her backyard.

Many cities, large and small, all over the United States, are allowing the raising of a limited number of hens in backyards.

I support allowing a defined number of hens to be raised within the city limits and hope that the City Council reconsiders changing the rules to allow it. The city council should certainly define size and location of the coops and the number of allowed hens.

Please let the City Council know if you agree that a small number of hens should be allowed in backyard coops.