Owensboro commissioners approve backyard-chicken ordinance after lengthy public comment

The Owensboro Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 approved Ordinance 15-2025, which allows residents in single-family zones to keep up to six female chickens (no roosters) with a $25 permit and specific setback and coop standards. The measure passed on second reading by a 3–2 vote.

The vote follows a lengthy public comment period in which neighbors, community advocates and opponents spoke. Supporters said small-scale backyard hens provide fresh eggs, teach responsibility and are common in other Kentucky cities; opponents warned of noise, pests and nuisance behavior if coops are not maintained.

The ordinance allows hens only on single-family lots and prohibits chickens at multifamily residences, apartments and businesses. Coops must be predator-proof, sanitary and ventilated, provide at least three square feet per bird, be located at least 10 feet from property lines and 40 feet from a neighbor’s house or a business. The measure does not override private restrictive covenants or homeowners association rules, and permits may be revoked for violations.

City Manager Nate Pagan told commissioners the draft responds to resident requests and mirrors regulations used in other Kentucky cities. He said the city considered deed restrictions and reiterated that the ordinance would not override neighborhood covenants.

Several residents testified in favor. Lindsey Thomas, a Philpot resident who said she previously kept hens, told commissioners the birds had been quiet, sanitary and beneficial to her children’s learning. Shelby Eads, an Owensboro resident, said the change will support local food access and teach responsibility to young people. Other speakers, including John Cos Velasquez and Michael Hamlet, opposed the change, raising concerns about odors, pests and coops placed close to neighboring yards. One longtime resident said he expects more work and maintenance than some owners anticipate and asked commissioners to consider nearby household impacts.

Commission debate reflected both positions. Mayor Tom Watson and Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn spoke in favor, citing examples from peer cities and educational benefits; Commissioner Curtis Maglinger voiced concerns about neighborhood impacts and enforcement. After the roll call, the ordinance passed by a 3–2 vote.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 15-2025 (backyard chickens): Approved, second reading; outcome: approved; tally: 3 yes, 2 no.

The ordinance requires city staff to issue permits, enforce coop standards and rely on existing code enforcement procedures for violations. Commissioners emphasized that the ordinance preserves the authority of private property covenants and homeowner associations to restrict chickens within subdivisions.

The city clerk recorded the votes and the ordinance will be published as required.