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Council advances first reading on rules to allow backyard chickens in single‑family zones
Summary
Councilors conducted a first reading and set a public hearing for Sept. 8 on an ordinance that would permit up to five chickens on quarter‑acre lots in single‑family zones with performance standards; roosters and commercial activity would be prohibited.
The City Council on Aug. 25 completed a first reading and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 8 on a proposed ordinance to permit keeping domestic chickens as an accessory use in single‑family residential zones.
City planning staff presented draft language that would allow a maximum of five chickens (no roosters) on lots of at least one quarter‑acre in zones where single‑family homes are permitted by right. The draft limits chickens to rear yards, requires enclosed coops and runs, sets a 20‑foot setback from property lines for coops and run structures, requires rodent‑proof feed storage, and restricts on‑site sales, breeding, slaughtering or other commercial activity.
Planning staff said the proposal borrows standards used in other municipalities and includes specific performance standards for coop size, location and manure storage. Tyler, the planning staff member presenting the item, said: “Roosters aren't allowed.” The transcript shows councilors discussed potential disease or breed restrictions and staff said the draft defines allowable breeds and will research related state guidance.
Legal and enforcement notes discussed at the meeting: staff told the council that the city lacks statutory authority to issue a mandatory license comparable to a dog license; zoning enforcement would remain the main enforcement tool. The transcript states zoning violations could lead to superior court fines (the code reference cited by staff was an enforcement penalty up to $275 per day).
The council waived full reading, completed the first reading by title and voted to hold a public hearing on Sept. 8 during the regular council meeting to gather public input prior to adoption. All votes on the readings and the public hearing scheduling were recorded as six votes in the affirmative.
Ending: The ordinance would allow backyard chickens under defined conditions if adopted after the scheduled public hearing; staff will return with the public hearing record and any recommended edits.
