RIB MOUNTAIN, WI (WSAU) — Residents in Rib Mountain can begin planning their urban chicken coops.
The Town Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow residents to keep small farm animals such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits in certain numbers based on the size of their property.
Those interested in owning and keeping the animals will have to pay a $50 fee for a permit, which covers both the animals and the structure to keep them in. The ordinance calls for the coops to meet all setback requirements and must also meet minimum standards for detached dwellings as currently laid out in the town code. Additionally, the walls for the structure may not be taller than six feet with the peak of the roof not to exceed ten feet.
For lots under a half-acre in size, no more than four hens, ducks, or pigeons would be permitted. Properties that are half to .75-acres may keep six animals. Properties .75 to one acre and larger would be allowed eight animals. Rabbits would be allowed as well, though they have their own scale.
Roosters and geese are prohibited under the ordinance.
Emily Ramthun, the community activist who started the petitioning process to bring the matter to the town board, outlined the benefits of allowing residents to keep chickens during public input on the matter.
“It allows people who want to have a greener lifestyle to adopt those, whether having farm-fresh eggs right from your backyard or cutting down on table scraps because they can be composted through the chickens. They are also great at keeping pests and bugs under control [by] pecking away at them,” said Ramthun.
She added that the ordinance could also help make Rib Mountain more attractive to those looking to relocate to the Wausau area from places like Madison or Milwaukee, which also allow urban chickens.
Director of Community Development Jared Wehner said he feels they have a good start to the ordinance and any issues that do come up in the next few years can be handled as they arise. Additionally, the ordinance calls for a resident to lose their permit if they commit two or more violations of the standards within a year.
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