Excelsior Springs, Mo. – As egg prices continue to climb, residents of Excelsior Springs are seeking alternative ways to secure a steady supply of fresh eggs—and if it can be done without breaking the bank. For aspiring urban homesteaders, meeting local regulations and ensuring a happy home for your hens is a multi-step process that requires careful research and eggs-icution.
Determine Your Eligibility
In July 2024, Excelsior Springs legalized the ownership of backyard chickens, though it comes with certain restrictions based on property size. If you’re considering raising chickens, the first step is determining if your lot qualifies.
Chicken ownership is possible for landowners with properties of at least 8,712 square feet (or 0.20 acres). Homes on smaller lots, particularly in residential districts, are not permitted to keep chickens.
The number of chickens you can keep increases in tandem with increasing property size. Owners with properties between 0.20 and 0.49 acres can keep up to three hens, and those with larger properties may possess up to 12. For a quick overview of these regulations, refer to the infographic below, provided by the Excelsior Springs Police Department.
Preparing Your Coop
After confirming that your property meets the size requirements, it’s time to build your chicken coop. According to the city’s regulations, coops must be fully enclosed, lockable, and well-ventilated. A surrounding fence is also required to keep your hens safe. Coops must be located in the backyard (no side or front yards), and must be at least 10 feet away from property lines. Importantly, roosters are not allowed on lots less than 3 acres to ensure that noise limits remain manageable for your neighbors. City code 210.125 lays out additional animal welfare standards and coop construction regulations.
Applying for the Permit
Once you’ve confirmed that your property is large enough and your coop design meets local requirements, it’s time to apply for your Backyard Chicken Permit through ESPD. Here’s how it works:
- Obtain the Application: Pick up the official permit application from ESPD or find the online fillable form here. Forms can be submitted to officemanager@espolice.com or dropped off at 310 S. Main Street.
- Fees: There is a $50 non-refundable application fee, plus an additional $50 for the permit itself. Application fees are due before an inspection will be scheduled. Every year after that, you’ll be charged $50 to renew.
- Inspection: The police chief (or a designated official) will schedule a site visit to ensure all criteria are met
If you pass inspection and submit the required payment, you’ll receive the go-ahead to begin your backyard chicken venture!
A Fresh Start—And Fresh Eggs
In an era of escalating egg prices, backyard chicken-keeping offers Excelsior Springs residents a different way to enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs—right from their own property. Whether you’re motivated by supply concerns or simply crave the satisfaction of collecting eggs each morning, these steps ensure a smooth and responsible experience for both you and your neighbors (and your happy hens).
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