Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Backyard Chickens topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin Council advances backyard-chicken ordinance with $25 initial fee and annual registration after public comments
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance permitting hens on properties meeting minimum lot-size rules and approved a $25 one-time initial fee with required annual registration (no renewal fee) to maintain a current list for public-health tracking; the first-reading measure passed with one abstention.
Franklin Township Council introduced an ordinance on first reading that would allow backyard chicken flocks of hens on qualifying properties and approved an amendment establishing a $25 initial registration fee plus required annual registration without a renewal charge.
Supporters who spoke during public comment described household benefits and community goodwill from keeping hens. “We get over a dozen eggs a day,” resident Lydia Lacey told the council, describing her experience raising hens at her Canal Road home and urging the township to allow backyard flocks. Several residents and representatives of local scouting groups also thanked the council for honoring Girl Scouts and other proclamations earlier in the meeting.
Public-health officials and others urged caution. Donna Lisi, chair of the Franklin Board of Health Advisory Council, warned that backyard poultry can be a source of avian influenza and said infection in backyard flocks can be introduced by wild birds: “One of the sources of avian flu has been backyard chickens and backyard poultry,” Lisi said, noting conjunctivitis can present as a primary symptom and advising residents to be vigilant.
Council members discussed permitting terms and the administrative burden of tracking flocks. A number of municipalities and extension services were cited during debate, and council members favored annual registration so the township can quickly locate flocks in the event of a disease outbreak. After discussion the council amended the ordinance packet to require a $25 initial application fee and annual registration (the amendment specifies the renewal itself would not carry an additional charge). The amendment was moved, seconded and approved; the roll-call on the motion to amend and introduce the ordinance recorded all votes in favor except one abstention by Councilman Carazzi.
The ordinance as introduced restricts roosters and caps flock size based on lot size; it also requires coops meet setback, sanitation and predator-proofing standards and gives the township authority to inspect flocks for public-health reasons. The council cited guidance used to craft the measure, including public-health best practices and sample language used by other municipalities. Supporters said permits would help neighbors by ensuring standards for setbacks and odor control are enforced; the Board of Health said annual tracking is primarily a disease-control tool.
Next steps: the ordinance was introduced on first reading and is scheduled for a public hearing and final adoption at the council meeting on March 25, 2025. Council staff will prepare the registration procedure and a form for owners to report and receive renewal notices by mail or email.
Ending: If adopted, the ordinance will create an annual registration system and standards for backyard hen flocks to allow limited poultry keeping while giving health officials a current registry for disease surveillance and response.
