Chicken & the H.O.A.: Eureka woman warns of growing challenges to backyard hens
Shellie Tippet says she’s got a right to have chickens, says she doesn’t see eye to eye with HOA
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Shellie Tippet has been raising her backyard hens since a new Missouri law took effect this year, allowing six chickens in the backyard -- if they meet certain conditions.
She lives in a subdivision near Eureka, Windswept Farms, which has an HOA. Tippet alleges the HOA is taking too much power with their requirements for a coop. The HOA feels they’re in line with language from the law allowing for reasonable rules for chicken spaces.
Omni Management Group, who has been in touch with Tippet, sent First Alert 4 the following statement: “The Board of Directors for the Windswept Farms Homeowners’ Association reached out to an attorney to draft the Chicken Coop Policy for this community. This allowed the Board to confirm the Policy will align with the new Missouri law and the HOA’s ability to adopt reasonable.”
It’s gone from requests for plans to talks with attorneys, and Tippet says she’s reached out to the State Attorney General about her rights to keep chickens in the yard.
Meanwhile, the chicken coop in question was damaged over the weekend, according to Tippet.
First Alert 4 spoke to Tippet, the St. Louis County politician who put the chicken law into the books and reached out to the management company to try and find out who’s in first -- the Chicken or the HOA?
Avery Martinez covers water, ag & the environment for First Alert 4. He is also a Report for America Corps member, as well as a member of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. His coverage ranges from EPA s to corn farms and hunting concerns, and local water rates to rancher mental health.
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