Cottage Grove doesn’t currently allow residents to raise hens and ducks on lots smaller than three acres in size, but that could change in the future.

At its meeting last Wednesday night, Councilmember Justin Olsen asked that city staff review what other municipalities are doing as far as allowing poultry at residences as part of its process of updating city ordinances.

“I know this is a policy our council has studied previously. It’s been a few years. I believe there are some communities that have looked at this more recently than we have,” said Olsen. “Since we’re going over our entire book or ordinances, as part of that process maybe we could revisit this policy.”

“Again, I’m not advocating either way. I’m just asking if we can take a look at it,” said Olsen.

The issue was debated at length eight years ago, and at that time the council voted 5Fourth

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-0 to recommend a city code change that allowed farm bids on residential properties three acres or larger. That code excluded most city residents from keeping chicken and ducks on the property.

Mayor Myron Bailey was quoted as saying at the time, “After talking to many people, the resounding message was no and this was not the time or place. There may be a point down the road – a long way down the road – but I believe (urban fowl) was called a fad, but the question is, ‘Will the fad go away?’” At that time, the city surveyed surrounding communities and found that two-thirds didn’t allow chickens or ducks on urban lots.

“Could we open that up to animals?” Councilmember Dave Thiede asked, referring to potbellied pigs that are allowed as pets some places.

Olsen said he hasn’t heard requests of that nature.

“I’m not hearing about any other animals other than hens,” he said. I’ll defer to staff for their expertise.”

“We’ll let staff take a look at it,” said Bailey.