Thinking about keeping a few chickens in Fort Wayne? As of now, it’s not legally allowed—but there’s a long story behind the current status. This guide covers Fort Wayne’s chicken-related regulations, council debates, past proposals, and what it would take for a future change. Let’s dive deep.
1. Current Legal Status
Currently, Fort Wayne city code prohibits residents from keeping any domestic farm animals—including chickens—within city limits unless specific approval is granted by the Department of Planning Services. This restriction is based on ordinance § 91.019 of the city code.
2. What the Proposed Ordinance Would Have Done
In 2017, City Council considered an amendment to allow “Urban Chickens”—defined specifically as female chickens—under regulated conditions. The proposal included:
- Allowing up to **five hens** per household; **roosters explicitly banned**.
- Mandating that chickens be **securely enclosed**, kept on the owner’s property at all times.
- Requiring a **coop** with:
- At least **10 square feet per hen**
- Maximum coop height of **10 feet**
- Placement at least **10 feet from property lines** and **20 feet from neighboring dwellings**
- Location strictly in the **rear yard**
- Prohibiting slaughter on site and limiting use to **non-commercial, personal egg production**.
- Mandating that coops be maintained in a sanitary condition, consistent with state and county health regulations.
- Clarifying that these rules would not override **Homeowners Association (HOA) restrictions** against chickens.
- Excluding multi-family properties from eligibility.
3. Why the Proposal Failed
Despite careful crafting, the council rejected the proposal. In 2017, it failed in a close **7–2 vote**, leaving the ban in place. Subsequent attempts to reintroduce similar legislation continued but repeatedly failed—by late 2023, officials had rejected a chicken ordinance for the third time.
Some opposition arguments included concerns about enforcement and neighborhood impact. One councilmember expressed anxiety about keeping chickens spreading beyond those permitted. Another reported difficulty in managing existing issues with animals, suggesting urban chicken policies could become an unmanageable problem.
4. What’s Needed to Change the Law
Several changes could open the door for urban chickens in Fort Wayne:
- A new City Council willing to support chicken-keeping legislation.
- A revised ordinance addressing neighbor concerns, enforcement, and nuisance prevention.
- Demonstrated public interest, possibly through petitions, advocacy, or examples from other cities that have successfully adopted similar bylaws.
- Public education efforts to assuage fears around noise, hygiene, and wildlife management.
5. Broader Context & Trends
Nationwide, many cities—including Indianapolis, Chicago, and Seattle—have embraced urban chickens with specific restrictions. Advocates argue that urban poultry supports food resilience, sustainability, and community enrichment.
In Fort Wayne, repeated council rejections reflect cautious priorities—balancing urban quality of life, zoning challenges, and animal welfare. While backyards may not see hens yet, the debate continues.
6. Summary Table
| Topic | Current Status / Proposal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Farm Animals | Not allowed citywide without special approval | Includes chickens, pigs, goats, etc. |
| Proposed Urban Chicken Ordinance | Up to 5 hens, no roosters; coop and setback rules | Failed council vote in 2017 |
| Council Voting History | Multiple attempts failed, most recently in 2023 | Public sentiment divided |
| Change Drivers | New ordinances, leadership, or public influence required | No current active legislation |
| HOA Override | HOA bans remain valid even if city allows hens | Private agreements may further restrict |
7. FAQs
Can I keep chickens in Fort Wayne right now?
No—current code prohibits keeping any domestic farm animal, including chickens, without special city approval that is rarely granted.
Was there ever a chance to allow chickens?
Yes. A 2017 proposal would have permitted up to five hens if certain coop and setback conditions were met—but it failed in a 7–2 vote. Later attempts also failed.
What about urban farming zones?
Even properties designated as urban gardens or farms were included in the 2017 proposal—but since it failed, no special rules exist today.
Could my HOA allow chickens even if the city bans them?
HOAs could still restrict chickens even if the city allowed them. However, since the city still bans chickens, no exceptions apply.
8. Final Thoughts
Fort Wayne’s current ordinance effectively bans backyard chickens. While thoughtful proposals have outlined safe, reasonable regulations, local leaders have not yet embraced the change. If you’re passionate about urban hens, your best option is engagement—talk to your council representative, build public support, and present a well-crafted proposal that addresses concern and reflects successful models from other cities.