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Lafayette holds public hearing on draft ordinance to allow backyard hens, limit set at five
Summary
The Lafayette Common Council held a second public hearing on a draft ordinance that would allow up to five hens in city limits, prohibit roosters and set coop, pen and nuisance rules; animal-control staff and dozens of residents spoke in favor and city attorneys said the measure needs a council sponsor and two readings before adoption.
Lafayette — The Lafayette Common Council held a second public hearing on a draft ordinance that would allow residents to keep up to five hens inside city limits, prohibit roosters and require coops, pens and setback and nuisance controls.
The city attorney outlined the draft ordinance’s main provisions, saying it “does provide that a person can have no more than 5 hens. Roosters are prohibited.” The ordinance as drafted requires a coop providing at least 1 square foot of space per chicken, a pen of at least 2 square feet per chicken with wire or solid roofing for containment, and setback requirements from neighboring properties. It also says flocks that create a public nuisance would be addressed by Lafayette animal control.
Why it matters: Supporters said backyard hens would provide affordable fresh eggs, hands-on education for children, yard fertilizer and opportunities to reuse food waste. Opponents and some questioners raised concerns about predation, disease…
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