NEW LONDON, WI-City residents in New London are now permitted to keep chickens, following the approval of an ordinance regulating their ownership. The ordinance passed its second reading, securing approval by the City Council.

Under the new regulations, residents interested in keeping chickens will be required to obtain a zoning permit from the Community Development Department. To apply for a permit, residents must also provide evidence of registration with the Wisconsin Department of Agricultural Trade and Consumer Protection.

Each single-family dwelling or a two-family dwelling (with the property owner’s consent) is eligible for one chicken-keeping permit. If someone other than the property owner applies for the permit, written consent from the property owner is mandatory.

The ordinance permits the keeping of up to four hens while explicitly prohibiting roosters. Additionally, chicken coops must be elevated or placed on a solid surface to prevent standing water.

Maintenance of the coops is crucial, with a daily requirement for cleaning to remove hen droppings, uneaten feed, feathers, and other waste. The ordinance also stipulates that the coop and yard must not create health, odor, or any other nuisance issues for neighbors.

Coops must be of sufficient size, providing a minimum of 3 square feet per chicken. Breeding chickens and selling chicks or eggs are both prohibited under the new regulations.

The City Council passed the chicken ordinance with a 6-4 vote.