Residents press council to reduce lot-size rule for backyard chickens; item sent to Animal Services and Committee of the Whole

Butte-Silver Bow residents urged commissioners on June 18 to reduce the county's 20,000-square-foot minimum lot-size requirement for backyard chickens and to craft a permit-based approach, with setbacks and enforcement, that would allow small, well-managed flocks in town.

At the public-comment podium, Garrity Hyer said the current ordinance prevents many families from keeping "small, clean, well-managed flocks" and proposed a permit system modeled on other Montana programs with flock limits, setbacks and enforcement options. "I'm here on behalf of Butte Silver Bow residents in support of backyard chickens," Hyer said, and recommended a District 9 pilot where there is local support.

Other residents spoke in favor of amendments to the animal-services ordinance; some asked for neighbor-consent provisions and routine inspections, while opponents described nuisance concerns in tight lots, including reports of loose birds and roosters crowing early. Cindy Sanderson, who also spoke earlier opposing the Pride flag, said roosters and poor micro‑management can create neighborhood problems in compact lots.

Commissioner Shea asked planning and animal-services staff for the logic behind the referral and the relevant code sections; staff said the animal-services ordinance and related zoning rules intersect on permitted animals. Commissioner Morgan and others moved to refer the communication to the county's animal-services team and to hold the matter in the Committee of the Whole so staff can prepare a recommended ordinance update or pilot plan.

The amended motion — refer to Animal Services and hold in the Committee of the Whole pending staff recommendation — passed unanimously (12–0). Commissioners instructed staff to return with specific draft language, including permitting steps, neighbor-notice provisions, setbacks and enforcement options before the council considers any formal code change.