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Lafayette public hearing considers draft ordinance to allow backyard hens
Summary
Residents and the city attorney discussed a proposed ordinance to legalize backyard hens in Lafayette, covering limits, coop and pen requirements, setbacks, enforcement and equity questions; no vote was taken and a second public hearing was scheduled for May 8.
A public hearing before the Lafayette City Council drew residents to support a proposed ordinance to legalize backyard hens, with speakers describing educational, sustainability and food-security benefits and city staff outlining draft rules on flock size, enclosures and setbacks.
The proposal under discussion would allow residents to keep chickens only (no waterfowl), limit a flock to five hens with no roosters, require a coop and enclosed pen, and set minimum setbacks: 20 feet from any dwelling and 10 feet from property lines, according to the city attorney’s summary of the draft.
Councilperson Eileen Hesh Luis opened the hearing, saying an ordinance had been submitted after neighborhood meetings. Resident Christine Poche, who organized neighbors, told the council, “We come before you today because we love…
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