Committee begins drafting backyard-chicken rules after residents ask for clarity

Richland County staff presented sample backyard-chicken ordinances from neighboring jurisdictions and asked the Natural Resources Committee for direction on a county rule to allow and regulate small numbers of hens in residential areas.

Staff said ordinances elsewhere typically allow between four and ten hens, prohibit roosters, and specify coop placement, enclosure and appearance standards. Committee members discussed whether the county should set a numeric limit, minimum coop size, enclosure requirements, and rules governing free-ranging versus contained birds.

Members asked about the extraterritorial zone governed by nearby cities and whether county rules would apply in those areas; staff clarified the city enforces its own ordinances in the extraterritorial zone and the county continues to regulate septic and other land-use matters. Several members urged including nuisance controls—odor, accumulated manure and animal care standards—to reduce likely complaints.

Staff said they will draft ordinance language combining model elements discussed and return to the committee; no vote was taken. The committee asked for member feedback before the next meeting so staff can produce a draft ordinance and checklist for enforcement.