After years of debate and community effort, the City of Blue Springs has passed a landmark ordinance allowing residents to keep backyard hens and ducks for non-commercial purposes. Here’s a fully detailed guide—spanning history, requirements, rules, and practical steps—to help you understand how this law works.
1. A Long Road to Approval
The effort to legalize backyard hens in Blue Springs spanned more than two years, involving public campaigns, petitions, and city council debates. Citizens gathered over 4,000 signatures in favor. At a decisive City Council meeting, the ordinance narrowly passed with a 5–2 vote, marking a victory for residents who wanted the right to raise hens or ducks at home.
2. Who Is Eligible?
- This ordinance applies only to single-family residential properties. Duplexes, apartments, and other multi-unit properties are excluded.
- Immediately following council approval in May 2025, the city began developing the permitting process, expected to be finalized by September 16, 2025.
3. What You’re Allowed to Keep
- Allowed: Up to six total female chickens and/or ducks (hens or female ducks) per property, strictly for residential—not commercial—use. Breeding is prohibited.
4. Permits Are Required
All backyard hen or duck owners must obtain a one-time permit from the city before bringing birds onto the property. No annual renewal or fees will be required.
5. Housing & Spatial Requirements
- Location: Birds must stay in the backyard and be enclosed or fenced at all times unless supervised.
- Setbacks: Enclosures must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 40 feet from adjacent buildings, such as neighboring houses or garages.
- Enclosure standards: Structures must be fully enclosed (all sides, a roof, and a door), with proper ventilation, access to sun and shade, and rodent-proofing.
- Size per bird: Minimum of 2 sq ft per hen/duck, maximum of 4 sq ft; interior roosting area must be at least 2 feet high; structure cannot exceed 8 feet in height.
6. Animal Care & Responsibilities
Owners are required to provide:
- Consistent access to food and clean water.
- A safe, sanitary environment that keeps rodents and predators at bay.
7. Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Rule |
|---|---|
| Property Type | Single-family homes only |
| Permits | One-time permit required (no fee or renewal) |
| Allowed Birds | Up to six female chickens and/or ducks; no breeding |
| Location & Enclosures | Backyard only, 10 ft from lot lines, 40 ft from structures, enclosed with ventilation, sun/shade, rodent-proof |
| Pen Size Requirements | 2–4 sq ft per bird; ≥2 ft roost area; ≤8 ft tall structure |
| Care Requirements | Provide food, water, cleanliness, rodent & predator control |
8. Why This Matters
This long-awaited ordinance reflects a powerful example of community activism. For many residents, laying hens are part of sustainable living, self-sufficiency, daily enjoyment, and even a reconnection to past neighborhood traditions. As one advocate put it, the issue became “about We the People,” and a push for local choice.
9. What to Do Next
- Check whether your property qualifies (single-family residential).
- Await the finalized application process—expected by September 16, 2025.
- Design your coop/run following setback, ventilation, size, and height requirements.
- Submit your permit application once available—no fee or annual renewal expected.
- After approval, maintain proper care: enclosure, food, water, and sanitation.
10. Community Voices
One resident shared that many older residents “remember when chickens were legal,” and that the victory felt deeply personal. Others noted the long permit delay contrasted with nearby towns like Pleasant Hill, which passed a similar law in just four months.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Are roosters allowed?
No—only female chickens or ducks may be kept.
Is breeding allowed?
No—birds must remain for personal, non-commercial use only.
Do I need to renew the permit?
No—only a one-time permit is required; the ordinance stipulates no fees or renewals.
When will the new rules take effect?
The law passed in May 2025; implementation steps (like the permit application) should be in place by mid-September 2025.
Can I build my own coop?
Yes—as long as it meets setback, size, height, and enclosure standards outlined in the ordinance.
12. Final Thoughts
Blue Springs’ new backyard chicken law gives residents a modern path to keep hens or ducks for personal use. The law balances neighbor concerns—like noise and pests—with freedom and practicality. If your home qualifies, now’s the time to plan your coop and prepare for the permit. This change is a major step forward for residents seeking sustainable living and food independence within city limits.