Two permits OK'd for Willmar, Minn., residents to have chickens in city

WILLMAR -- The Willmar City Council's Public Works/Safety Committee has approved two permits for keeping chickens in the city, but denied a third.

The committee this week approved one-year permits for Maria Hernandez, 612 15th St. S.W., and for Heather King, 1001 18th St. S.W., to keep chickens on their property.

The committee voted to deny a permit for Carey Hodapp, 805 11th St. S.W., to keep chickens due to objections from neighbors.

Public Works Director Holly Wilson acknowledged committee members' interest in developing a more specific policy on keeping fowl or other livestock. Under current code, keeping livestock without a permit constitutes a public nuisance. The code requires the permit applicant to describe the shelter, but code does not limit the number of animals.

If the designated city officer, after viewing the premises and the conditions, approves the permit, the application is submitted to the council for consideration, and the council may either grant or deny the application.