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Residents urge City Council to put backyard chickens on 2026 ballot; city attorney outlines referendum steps
Summary
Multiple residents asked the Port St. Lucie City Council to allow backyard hens and urged a citizen referendum in 2026. City staff described the charter process for voter-initiated referendums and council agreed to share the charter section with petition organizers.
Dozens of Port St. Lucie residents asked the City Council on April 28 to allow backyard hens inside city limits and urged officials to place the question on the 2026 general election ballot.
Supporters said backyard chickens would provide fresh eggs, reduce food waste, offer pest control and add educational opportunities for children. Several speakers said they had organized petitions: one speaker said the petition had 2,649 signatures. "Putting this on the ballot is the best path forward and it aligns with the city's record of listening to its residents," said Katie Whalen, who identified herself as a Port St. Lucie resident.
The petitioners also asked the council…
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