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Board tables variance request for 30 chickens at 435 David Street after neighbor objections
Summary
The Fall River Board of Health tabled a request from David Pimentel to keep up to 30 chickens at 435 David Street after multiple neighbors raised concerns about rodents, proximity to property lines and lack of neighborhood outreach.
The Fall River Board of Health on June 30 tabled a variance request from David Pimentel to keep up to 30 chickens at 435 David Street after neighbors raised concerns about rodents, coop placement and the effect on nearby yards.
During the hearing, inspector Faust described the property as having a large, well-built coop and confirmed a rodent-control contract was in place. Several neighbors expressed concerns: Sean Pennant and other residents said rodent infestation was a recurring neighborhood problem; others said the coop was close to property lines and they had not been consulted before construction began. The board suggested the applicant reduce the proposed flock size, establish a run and strengthen outreach to neighbors before returning for a decision.
Faust said the department often discovers that applicants already have birds before applying and that the department’s extermination requirement has, in his experience, kept post-approval rodent complaints to a minimum. After prolonged public comment and repeated neighbor objections, a motion to table the request passed; the board directed the applicant to consult with neighbors, consider a smaller flock and return with revisions.
