Pasco commissioners hold first hearing on backyard-chicken rules; supporters press for fewer permits

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners heard the first public hearing on a proposed land‑development code amendment to permit backyard chickens in certain residential zones and directed staff to simplify provisions ahead of a Nov. 12 adoption hearing.

Amanda Hill of Planning, Development & Economic Growth presented the draft ordinance (section 5.30.25), saying it would allow hens for egg production on residential lots and tie standards for coops and setbacks into Chapter 14 of the Pasco County Code of Ordinances. Hill said the draft would not override private covenants.

Commissioners debated whether to require permits or training for owners. Several commissioners said they opposed creating burdensome requirements such as classes or permitting for people who keep chickens to feed their families. One commissioner said, “if people want chickens and they have the appropriate zone, let them have the chickens.” Staff responded that an earlier draft had required a permit but that the ordinance team removed the permit requirement in the current draft after researching other jurisdictions; most did not require permits.

Public supporters attended the hearing. Talia Birkfeld, a Land O’Lakes resident who said she owns six hens, described coop construction, weekly maintenance and how keeping chickens taught her children responsibility. “My family's been in Florida for a hundred years,” Birkfeld said, and she described being able to avoid buying eggs for months because her hens were productive.

Commissioners asked staff to simplify the draft’s provisions for Chapter 14 and to return a revised ordinance at the adoption hearing on Nov. 12 in Dade City, when both the land‑development code change and a Chapter 14 code amendment will be considered. The board did not vote on the ordinance at the afternoon session; the item remains scheduled for adoption consideration on Nov. 12 at 1:30 p.m. in Dade City.