BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow City Council postponed further action on a proposed livestock and poultry ordinance until November 10, 2026 after residents raised concerns about chicken limits, restrictions on other birds and requirements for animal housing during the public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Six Broken Bow residents addressed the council during the hearing on Ordinance 1323, which would establish regulations for keeping livestock and poultry within city limits.
Concerns included the proposed limit of chickens, zoning setbacks for coops and animal facilities, restrictions on certain bird species and how the ordinance would affect existing animals and property owners.
Council President Russ Smith said the comments would give the city additional information when considering changes to the proposal.
“I think any information we have we can make it so everybody will get somewhat what they want,” Smith said.
He then made a motion to postpone action on the ordinance until the council’s November 10 meeting. The council unanimously approved the motion.
“Please reach out anytime, I’m very open to sitting down if you have anymore comments or suggestions,” City Administrator, David Schmidt said. “I hope we’ve shown tonight that we’re very open to taking your comments and putting them into action.”
Residents Question Proposed Animal Limits
Several residents questioned the proposed limit of six chickens per property and whether restrictions should vary based on the type of bird, available space and an owner’s ability to properly car for the animals.
One resident argued that the ordinance should emphasize responsible animal care rather than focusing primarily on limiting numbers. She suggested allowing at least 12 chickens, with the possibility of more depending on the property and relationships with neighbors.
Another individual, who sells birds, supported reasonable regulations but raised concerns about placing limits on the number and types of animals future property owners could keep. She supported the grandfathering provisions for existing animal owners and the need to establish requirements for grandfathered property to be based on what the space can accommodate not solely on what the previous owner’s numbers.
Other public comments questioned restrictions on quail, peafowl, guinea fowl, turkeys, geese and ducks. One resident suggested setting limits based on the species, breed and the owner’s ability to house the animals appropriately.
Setbacks and Enforcement Draw Public Comment
Residents the proposed 10 foot setback from side property lines, specifically on corner lots and asked why quail were excluded from the proposed regulations.
Additional comments included allowing residents time to raise chicks before removing the roosters and considering whether backyard poultry and hoofed livestock should be addressed seperately.
Schmidt discussed potential revisions involving grandfathering provisions, registration, animal number limits and enforcement. The zoning rules generally require a six foot setback. The city’s Zoning Administrator, Jacob Holcomb, mentioned fire safety, visibility and utility easements as considerations. Holcomb said ten feet is a standard distance in several communities.
Council Approves City Positions and Sewer Equipment
The council’s other business included approving Ordinance 1325, which combines the deputy clerk and city treasurer offices and establishes an appointive city planner position. The city planner will also serve as zoning and floodplain administor. The council approved both appointments of a Deputy Clerk / Treasurer and a city planner.
The council also approved Ordinance 1326, updating the 2026-27 wage ordinance to include the positions.
In addition, council members approved Resolution 2026-28 authorizing a lease agreement for a robotic crawler piper inspection camera system for the sewer department. The agreement totals $118,368.52 over five years.
The equipment will allow city staff to inspect and map sewer pipes in house, monitor pipe conditions and reduce the need to hire outside contactors.
