Applicant approved to keep four hens after board requires coop meet minimum spacing

Applicant approved to keep four hens after board requires coop meet minimum spacing Brian Bedoya, an applicant seeking to keep backyard hens at 911 Garden City Drive, received approval for a special exception Thursday from the Monroeville Zoning Hearing Board to install a chicken coop for four hens, provided the coop meets the ordinance's minimum area requirement and other conditions. The board granted the special exception after staff and members reviewed the application and clarified dimensional requirements in the zoning ordinance; one nearby resident submitted opposition by email citing health, noise and pest concerns. Bedoya told the board he was seeking permission "to get some chickens" and acknowledged he had chicks at home: "Wife wants some chickens," he said. Paul (staff member) guided the applicant through the ordinance requirements, noting the rule of "16 square feet per chicken" and that "for four hens that equals 64 square feet." Paul told Bedoya the coop plans must meet that minimum: "But you gotta have at least that," he said. The board and staff discussed placement; Bedoya said the coop will be "more than 25 feet from any building" and placed at the rear of the lot bordering a vacant state park. The board also reminded Bedoya that roosters and ducks are not allowed under the cited section. Paul reported that one resident "two doors away" emailed opposition raising concerns about cleanliness, noise and attracting rodents; the resident was not present. Bedoya said he has researched options for manure and bedding disposal and is considering composting but had not finalized a plan. Board members advised Bedoya to expand the pen so it meets the 64-square-foot minimum (for four hens) and to maintain cleanliness to address neighbor concerns. The board entertained an unrecorded motion and second and approved the special exception. The motion language was not read into the transcript; the outcome was recorded as approved. The board set no special conditions on the record beyond the ordinance requirements discussed (minimum area, no roosters or ducks, and compliance with cleanliness/pest-control provisions identified in the ordinance). The decision allows Bedoya to proceed with construction after he submits any necessary permits and ensures the coop meets the minimum area standard discussed at the hearing. The board flagged that staff (Paul) will remain the contact for follow-up and reminded the applicant to work with staff on final plans and any required inspections.