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Residents urge council to allow backyard hens; petitioner reports 106 signatures
Summary
Speakers urged Escanaba City Council to consider changing its ordinance to permit backyard egg-laying hens, supported by a 106-signature petition and draft ordinance materials referenced by a resident.
Multiple residents told the Escanaba City Council on Oct. 16 they support allowing backyard egg-laying hens and asked the council to take up an ordinance change. Petitioner Jalen Sims said he gathered more than 106 signatures and asked the council to return the matter to the agenda for ordinance consideration.
In a prepared statement, Jalen Sims argued that allowing hens would improve food security, composting and neighborhood resilience. He cited other Michigan municipalities that permit hens, including Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming, and referenced a state House bill (HB 4049) language he said would permit rearing egg-laying hens as a permitted use when minimum lot-size conditions are met.
Two additional speakers, Anne Fix and Liz Fitzharris, voiced support; Fitzharris said startup costs and licensing requirements would deter irresponsible ownership and urged the council to consider the change as part of larger community-development goals.
Council did not take immediate action on the ordinance; speakers asked the council to place the matter on a future agenda so staff and councilors can review draft language and potential limits on numbers, setbacks and licensing.
