Personal Fowls! Lake Ozark Wants To Limit Residents To Six Hens, One Rooster

LAKE OZARK, Mo. — The City of Lake Ozark is aiming to limit the number of chickens you can keep on your property, including no roosters on smaller acreages.

With no current regulations in place, the Board of Alderman is proposing guidelines to address the keeping of chickens within city limits.

Under the proposed ordinance, residents would be permitted to keep up to six chicken hens per half acre of residential property. However, roosters would only be allowed on properties of 10 acres or more, limited to one per property.

Additionally, chicken coops would need to be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition, located at least 200 feet away from neighboring dwellings, churches, schools, or businesses. The coop must also provide adequate ventilation and protection from the weather and predators.

To ensure compliance, residents with chicken coops would have to apply for a $50 licensing fee, regardless of the number of chickens kept. This fee covers a city inspection, and any non-compliant structures may be subject to fines or removal.

The proposed ordinance tries to balance the interests of residents while addressing concerns related to hygiene, noise, and property maintenance.

It would take effect and be in full force after it's approved.

The first reading is scheduled for the board meeting on Tuesday, April 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Lake Ozark City Hall.