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Residents press council to revisit backyard chicken ordinance; council signals further review
Summary
Several residents urged the council to allow backyard chickens for self-sufficiency and education; the council discussed exploring compromises and a possible trial period and directed staff to convene follow-up meetings.
Multiple residents urged the Port Huron City Council to reconsider a proposed ordinance to allow backyard chickens, citing self-sufficiency, educational opportunities and neighborhood volunteer support. Rachel Farquhar, who identified herself as a Port Huron resident and organizer of a backyard chicken group, asked the council to update the proposed ordinance and consider a two-year trial so the community could demonstrate responsible ownership.
Farquhar said the backyard chicken group helps reunite lost birds and assists neighbors with animal care; she argued allowing chickens could “help relax the burden on outside resources” and provide food for families and organizations. Another public commenter noted broad citizen participation in prior hearings on the ordinance and urged council to honor that civic engagement.
Councilmember Harrenza said the chicken ordinance vote at a prior meeting had close results — three in favor and three opposed — and suggested pursuing compromises, including trial periods. Mayor Ashford said she and staff would set up a group meeting with the city manager and legal staff to review the ordinance in more detail.
No formal policy change was enacted during the meeting; councilmembers asked for additional information and follow-up discussions to consider potential compromises and to allow more time for review.
