A Missouri court says homeowners associations—not chickens—rule the roost.
This week a Cole County judge ruled a state law unconstitutional that prevented community associations from regulating backyard chickens.
The law, part of a larger bill (HB 2062), allowed homeowners to raise up to six chickens on lots of 0.2 acres or more—even if their homeowners association (HOA) had rules against it.
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) and its Missouri chapters challenged the law, arguing it violated the Missouri Constitution and the rights of HOAs to self-govern. Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe agreed, striking down the entire bill.
“This is a huge win for our members and the 77 million Americans living in community associations,” said CAI CEO Dawn Bauman.
The decision came in the case Four Seasons Lakesites Property Owners Association v. State of Missouri. CAI said the ruling protects constitutional integrity and expects the state may appeal.
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