Mesquite council adopts code change easing neighbor consent for backyard chickens, bars poultry in multifamily units

The Mesquite City Council on March 11 adopted an amendment to the municipal code that reduces the radius of neighbors who must be notified for a backyard-chicken permit and clarifies that chickens are not allowed in multifamily housing.

Planning staff said the ordinance does two things: it reduces the neighbor-notification radius from 250 feet to just contiguous neighbors, and it clarifies that chickens are not permitted in apartments or condominiums. The staff presentation noted the change is intended to simplify the permitting process for single-family homeowners while preventing poultry in multifamily settings.

Key details and public questions Planning staff said the code, as drafted, allows up to eight chickens on a qualifying single-family property. “The way it reads now would be 8,” Dan Catron told the council. Several residents asked whether the code sets a minimum yard size or requires chickens to be kept in an enclosure.

Staff responded that the ordinance contains no minimum-yard-size threshold and does not require chickens to be kept in an enclosure. A resident who keeps chickens said his family has allowed free-ranging birds and that neighbors were satisfied by sharing eggs.

Vote and implementation Councilwoman Fielding moved to consider the bill; the motion passed and the ordinance was adopted following public hearing. The ordinance amends Mesquite Municipal Code sections 9-2-2 and 9-8-7. Owners who wish to keep chickens in single-family zones must obtain neighbor permission under the new contiguous-neighbor rule.

Ending The change narrows who must be notified for backyard-chicken permits and reaffirms that chickens are not allowed in multifamily residential buildings. Residents and staff said questions about yard size and coop placement will be handled through routine code enforcement if disputes arise.