Potosi Reminds Residents of City Rules for Keeping Backyard Chickens

Potosi, Mo. (KFMO) - The City of Potosi recently shared details of Section 4-2B of Ordinance No. 1294, which allows residents in single-family residential districts to keep chickens as an accessory residential use.

Under the ordinance, property owners may keep no more than six hens at a single-family dwelling. Roosters are not permitted.

The ordinance requires that chickens be housed in a fully enclosed coop or pen designed to prevent birds from escaping. Enclosures must be maintained in a sanitary condition and kept in good repair.

The city also establishes minimum setback requirements for chicken coops. Coops must be located:

• At least 50 feet from any neighboring home or business.
• At least 25 feet from any side property line.
• At least 15 feet from any rear property line.
• Entirely within the property owner's yard.

Additional regulations require manure and waste to be collected regularly and properly removed. Chicken coops are considered accessory structures and require a permit.

The ordinance also prohibits commercial breeding, sales or fertilizer production. Owners must ensure their chickens do not create offensive odors, excessive noise or other disturbances and must avoid attracting predators such as snakes, feral cats or other wildlife.

According to the city, violations of the ordinance may be declared a nuisance and addressed under Section 4-50 of Ordinance No. 1294.

Penalties for violating the ordinance include fines ranging from $50 to $500, confinement in jail for up to 90 days, or both. The ordinance also states that each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

City officials say the regulations are intended to help residents responsibly keep backyard chickens while maintaining a safe and pleasant community for everyone.