After nearly two years of testing through a pilot program, backyard chickens will soon become a permanent fixture in some Overland Park neighborhoods.
Previously, residents who wanted to raise chickens would need a special use permit, which had to be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council before it was issued.
In early 2022, the City changed its process for approving backyard chickens. This allowed for a limited number of backyard chickens on some single- and two-family lots .25 acres or larger.
The change allowed the City to evaluate demand for backyard chicken coops and consider potential safety and health issues that might come up, without permanently changing the ordinance.
Since the pilot program started, the City issued about 30 permits for residents to own chickens. Generally, feedback on the program and permitted backyard chickens was positive, with some residents living on lots smaller than .25 acres applying for the permit.
In November, the City Council voted to make the change permanent and allow chickens on lots as small as .2 acres – for some neighborhoods. Residents should check their homeowners association restrictions before applying for a permit as homeowners associations may further restrict property owners from owning backyard chickens.
Before you buy your hens, know there are rules to keeping backyard chickens:
- Chickens must be kept in the backyard and must be placed in a secure, well-ventilated coop, approved by Animal Control.
- Coops must be fenced and placed within a specific distance from property lines and homes.
- Roosters are not allowed on properties smaller than three acres.
The updated backyard chicken ordinance will go into effect in 2024. To apply for a permit and to see a complete list of chicken requirements, including location, safety and permitting standards, visit opkansas.org/Chickens.