Overland Park set to permanently allow people to keep chickens in their backyards

After the success of a two-year pilot program, Overland Park residents will be now allowed to keep backyard chickens on lots greater than .20 acres. Only hens are eligible — no roosters.
Overland Park plans to permanently allow backyard chickens on smaller lots by making its backyard chicken pilot program into city code.

Last week, the Overland Park City Council Public Safety Committee voted 6-0 to recommend the city adopt a new ordinance enshrining backyard chickens in Overland Park in city code.

In early 2022, the city approved a temporary backyard chicken pilot program, following in the footsteps of other Johnson County cities.

The proposed ordinance, which would codify it in a new chapter called “Keeping of Chickens,” does have some small changes from the short-term backyard chicken pilot.

The two-year pilot allowed property owners to obtain permits for backyard chickens on lots at least a quarter-acre in size.

Before the pilot program, Overland Park allowed backyard chickens by right on large lots that were three acres or larger.