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Mayor declines to advance backyard-chicken changes now, cites health and neighborhood concerns
Summary
A resident asked council to allow chickens in residential areas; Mayor Joe Gavin said the city will not move forward at this time because of concerns including noise, odor, upkeep and avian flu risks, but the topic may be revisited if community develops a clear plan.
A resident identified as Dixie asked Reynoldsburg City Council on Feb. 20 to change city rules to allow backyard chickens in residential neighborhoods. Mayor Joe Gavin said the city is not moving forward with changes at this time because of concerns about neighborhood impacts and public health.
Dixie told the council that supply-chain pressures on eggs make backyard chicken ownership ‘‘an issue that should be a choice.’’ The comment was submitted under community comments during the meeting.
Mayor Joe Gavin said the city appreciates the input but must weigh potential impacts such as noise, odor and property upkeep. He also cited concerns about public health and ongoing avian influenza risks raised by experts. ‘‘Because of these factors, we are not moving forward with any discussion on backyard chickens at this time,’’ the mayor said, while leaving open the possibility the council could revisit the topic if there is strong community interest and a clear plan for responsible implementation.
The mayor invited residents to stay engaged and said staff and council would consider the issue in the future if sufficient interest and a workable policy framework emerge. No ordinance or formal council direction to staff was adopted that evening.
