Manawa ordinance allows chickens

City council adopted an ordinance that will allow Manawa residents to own chickens within the city limits.

Adopted at the Sept. 16 council meeting, the ordinance will allow residents to own up to six hens. No roosters or free range chickens will be allowed under this new ordinance.
There is also a size limit on the chicken coop as well as location restrictions.

A permit will be required for a $25 fee with an annual renewal of $15 every year. There is also a requirement of obtaining a premise ID through the state of Wisconsin.

According to the city of Manawa website, before the permit is issued applicants must provide a detailed diagram of the coop location that includes the location and distances from neighbors and structures in the yard, as well as the materials that will be used and the plan for disposal of excrement.

The coop must be placed in the backyard of the home and have a 3-foot setback from the rear property line. It must also be at least 10 feet away from any structure on the property, the new ordinance states. The chicken coop must be built with quality materials, be covered, have enough space for each hen and must keep predators out. The materials for building and the sizing and structure can all be found on the city’s web site.

The ordinance states, “Permits for backyard chickens are issued by the Chief of Police, or designee. The Police Department and the Waupaca County Health Department shall have jurisdiction to investigate and enforce any failure to comply with these requirements.”

The new ordinance also has specific instructions on the storage of food, as well as reporting any deaths of the hens must also be reported immediately.

For more information on the new chicken ordinance, go to cityofmanawa.org/backyard-chickens/.