MOLINE, Illinois — The Moline City Council voted in favor of an ordinance 6 - 2 that allows Moline residents to have up to six hen chickens in their backyards.
"I am very pleased," said Stephanie Acri, Moline City Council Alderman At Large. Acri has been in support of the 'Backyard Chickens in Moline' movement. The movement has been a long time coming for residents of Moline, who have been pushing for the legalization of urban hens.
Moline residents have to complete an application process in order to get a permit to have backyard chickens. As part of the application process, residents must attend an approved class on how to properly care for chickens, pay a $25.00 application fee, and live in a single-family home.
Chicken care classes taught by Cathy LaFrenz, a continuing education instructor in Scott County, are recognized by the City of Moline, according to Acri. Acri said chicken-care classes offered in Cedar Rapids are also valid. Much of the Moline urban hen ordinance, passed at the city council meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, is adopted from Cedar Rapids.
Supporters of the ordinance say having backyard chickens is a move toward sustainable living.
"I think a lot of people are doing as just a fun family that you can do in the backyard as a hobby," said Kelly Jones, who heads up the Agricultural Department at Blain's Farm & Fleet in Moline.
Twice a year, Farm and Fleet orders chickens, in bulk, from Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon, Missouri. With the passing of the Moline ordinance, Jones expects business to pick up.
"Now that the backyard ordinance has been passed in Moline, I think we we will see a significant increase in how many chicks that we sell," said Jones.
Jones sees a lot of people come through her department to buy products that support backyard chickens. For someone who wants chickens in their backyard, Jones estimates it costs $300 - $400.
Moline residents are directed to the City of Moline Finance Department, to obtain an urban hen permit. August 1, 2016 is the first day of the ordinance. All permits expire on July 31, 2017 and must be renewed yearly by August 1.
The topic of urban chickens has been popular in surrounding areas of the Quad Cities. Back in April, Muscatine voted to deny an urban chicken pilot program.