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Council advances backyard‑chicken ordinance to second reading with detailed rules and three‑strike enforcement
Summary
On first reading the council voted 4‑1 to advertise a backyard‑chicken ordinance that would allow up to five hens in most residential zoning districts with specific coop setbacks, size limits, no roosters, and a three‑strike enforcement regime.
The council held first reading July 14 of an ordinance that would allow backyard chickens in residential zoning districts ER, R‑1, R‑2 and R‑3 under a set of conditions and opened the ordinance for a second reading after a 4‑1 vote to advertise.
Key provisions in the draft ordinance include a prohibition on roosters, a maximum of five chickens per property, chicken coops limited to the rear yard and no taller than 6 feet, a 20‑foot side and rear setback for coops, a requirement for four square feet of space per chicken in the coop and a maximum chicken‑pen area of 50 square feet. The draft would also ban on‑site slaughter and the on‑site sale of eggs or other chicken products.
The draft includes maintenance and nuisance controls: properties where more than 100 square feet of bare or defoliated ground exists outside the coop would be in violation; repeated enforcement would escalate from a notice of violation to citations and, after three convictions for the same violation, the city may revoke a property’s ability to keep chickens. Staff said the compliance pathway would begin with a written notice and an application form that documents coop location and owner acknowledgment of rules.
Council action and reaction: Councilwoman Jody Wilkerson and others supported moving the ordinance forward for public hearing, while one councilmember voted against advertising, saying the city would face more code‑enforcement work and potential nuisance complaints. The ordinance does not override private deed restrictions or HOA covenants; staff noted those remain enforceable by private parties.
Next steps: The council voted to advertise the ordinance for a second reading and public hearing. Staff plans to finalize the citation process, the application form and outreach materials before the second reading so residents will have clear guidance about registration and compliance.
