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Council takes first reading on urban backyard chickens; public speakers describe backyard and equine concerns
Summary
Council held a first reading of a proposed ordinance to allow up to six backyard chickens with a permit and a related amendment to allow schools and nonprofit equine outreach programs to keep livestock; several public commenters supported backyard chickens while others asked about horses and enforcement.
Georgetown City Council held the first reading on an ordinance to allow ‘urban backyard chickens’ and on a companion amendment to the animal control code that would permit livestock on school grounds and horses for 501(c)(3) equine outreach programs.
The proposed urban backyard‑chicken ordinance would: amend the animal control code to allow poultry as an exemption to the current livestock prohibition; establish a permit and registration process administered by the city clerk with a $50 permit fee; require a Scott County Extension Office certificate of completion for training and a code‑enforcement inspection prior to permit issuance; and limit keepers to six backyard chickens on properties with a single‑family detached dwelling where the owner resides or grants permission. The ordinance cites KRS 83A.060(9) for registration authority.
A companion ordinance would exempt schools running agricultural education programs (FFA or 4‑H) and 501(c)(3) organizations running equine outreach programs from the blanket prohibition on livestock and poultry within city limits. The companion language also clarifies that livestock must not be permitted to run at large.
Public comment: Several residents used the public‑comment period to speak in favor of allowing backyard chickens. Rebecca Johnson described past experience keeping six hens, said she contained them well and that small‑scale backyard flocks produced limited smell and waste when managed properly. Another commenter, Roy Cornett, asked whether horses are allowed on larger parcels and whether long‑standing equestrian uses in parts of the city remain permitted.
Council and staff response: Councilmembers and staff noted enforcement questions and capacity for code enforcement and animal control staff. Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Committee discussion referenced outreach to the city attorney on waiving burn permits for nonprofits and a separate review of a certification program for recovery residences; council referred some enforcement and ordinance drafting questions to the city attorney.
Status: The urban backyard‑chicken ordinance and the animal control amendment were introduced and read for the first time on July 14; council will consider further readings and possible adoption at later meetings. No final vote occurred at the meeting.
