Residents urge council to allow backyard chickens; city says it will research ordinance changes

Multiple residents used the public-comment period to ask the council to revise local rules to permit backyard chickens in residential areas.

Lindsay Gray of North Hill Street told council she received a violation for keeping five chickens and said the birds teach her children about where food comes from and yield fresher eggs than store-bought produce. ‘‘Backyard chickens… taught my three children where our food comes from,’’ Gray said. Joshua Johnson and other neighbors spoke in support, listing reasons that included lower food costs, composting benefits and pest control.

Several speakers also flagged technical and health arguments: Gray said store eggs are often washed and that backyard eggs maintain the protective bloom until washing for use; another resident said chickens help reduce ticks and provide fertilizer for gardens.

A resident who lives near the soccer complex also raised traffic and pedestrian-safety concerns at the Albert Road/Cusick/Carr intersection and asked the council to consider adding a four-way stop to slow large trucks and improve crossing safety for the adjacent bike path.

Councilmembers thanked speakers and said they would ask staff to research the feasibility and regulatory implications of allowing backyard chickens, including any necessary health, nuisance or zoning safeguards. No ordinance or code change was adopted; council asked staff to return with options for council consideration.