Council signals support to raise Garner backyard hen limit from eight to ten; amendment to be drafted for Oct. 21 hearing

Town attorney Terry Jones briefed council on requests to increase the number of backyard hens allowed in Garner. The current code permits up to eight hens (no roosters) with permitting and setback standards. Staff reported peer towns allow between three and ten hens and that enforcement complaints normally concern roosters rather than hen counts.

Council discussed options and repeatedly returned to a modest increase to keep the program simple and aligned with neighboring municipalities. Councilmember Grant Matthews said many residents already keep ten or more and supported raising the allowable limit; other council members noted co‑ops in townhomes or HOA restrictions may still limit where hens are feasible. Police Chief Chris Adams said animal‑control complaints are rare and typically involve roosters or animals running at large, and that coops that allow chickens to escape can be addressed under existing code.

By the end of discussion council signaled consensus to have legal staff draft an ordinance amendment increasing the permitted number of hens and to schedule a public hearing for Oct. 21, 2025. Attorney Jones said staff would prepare the language and add it to the agenda.

Why it matters: increasing the permitted number of hens affects residents who raise backyard poultry for eggs, and the amendment will be considered at a public hearing so neighbors and stakeholders can comment.