Debate heats up over chicken coop regulations in Woodbury

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed zoning regulations concerning lot sizes and the keeping of chickens in Woodbury. The conversation highlighted the distinctions between residential zoning districts R1 and R2, with R1 allowing for larger parcels, typically ranging from 20 acres minimum to a maximum of about 160 acres. In contrast, R2 districts have a minimum lot size of 3 acres, with larger parcels generally between 5 to 10 acres.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the regulations on chicken coops. The current ordinance permits one chicken per acre for properties exceeding four acres, with a maximum coop size of 50 square feet. Concerns were raised about whether this standard is adequate, especially for larger lots that could accommodate more chickens. Some participants suggested that the size of the chicken coop should be proportional to the lot size rather than adhering to a fixed maximum.

State statutes provide exemptions for agricultural uses on parcels of 10 acres or larger, meaning those properties would not be subject to the 50-square-foot limit. This regulation primarily affects smaller lots, where the ordinance aims to maintain reasonable limits on chicken keeping.

Commissioner Swanson expressed a personal bias against chickens, citing past experiences with zoning enforcement related to overcrowded conditions on smaller lots. The discussion concluded with confirmation that the current regulations would prevent chickens from being kept on R4 lots, thereby limiting chicken farming to R1 and R2 districts only.