The Indianola City Council discussed the possibility of allowing chickens in the yards of city residents, and directed city staff to continue to explore changing city ordinances to allow residents to do so. City Manager Ben Reeves tells KNIA News there is a balance for those who want to keep chickens in their yards, and not have it be a burden or an impact on neighbors.

“We recognize that in tough economic times, people want sustainability for their families. They want to provide wholesome nutrition, and so being able to have the ability to raise chickens and have eggs is really important to several in the community. But we want to make sure that we provide tranquility and happiness to the entire community, we don’t deter property values at all. So we want to move forward by looking at the best practices of the communities around us so we do it in a responsible way if in fact we move forward.”

Reeves said the process now goes to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review, which will make a recommendation to the council.