Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Code Animals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hallandale Beach advances backyard‑chickens ordinance to second reading; roosters excluded, cruelty language to be added
Summary
On April 9 the City Commission voted 5-0 on first reading to allow backyard chickens under an ordinance that excludes roosters, establishes a pilot program and will return for a second reading May 7 for fines and enforcement language.
The Hallandale Beach City Commission on April 9 approved on first reading a new ordinance that would permit residents to keep backyard chickens under specified conditions, excluding roosters and incorporating animal‑cruelty protections on second reading.
Commissioner Annabel Lee Matab introduced the ordinance and said the measure is intended to give residents a lawful pathway to raise chickens for household use. "I will never snitch on a resident that has chickens, in their backyard because they're trying to feed their family," Matab said during debate, framing the ordinance as a limited program to help families and protect animals.
Commission debate focused on enforcement and scale. Commissioner Butler said he supported the measure but asked that the city confirm whether four chickens would be allowed "by right" and suggested tying allowable numbers to backyard space and minimum setbacks. Commissioner Adams said she would not support an ordinance that allowed roosters, and staff confirmed roosters are excluded.
City staff and the city attorney said cruelty‑prevention language will be incorporated before second reading. The City Commission also described the ordinance as a pilot program limited to two years, after which the body may reassess.
No members of the public signed up to speak at the hearing portion for the ordinance. The measure passed first reading on a 5‑0 roll call. City staff told the commission the second reading and a related resolution establishing fines and fees will be scheduled for May 7 so staff can research enforcement and fine schedules.
