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Prince George board sends backyard-chicken proposal back to Planning Commission to allow hens on smaller lots
Summary
After public outreach and Planning Commission review, supervisors directed the commission to draft a zoning-ordinance amendment to allow up to six hens on residential lots smaller than 2 acres and to consider enforcement improvements; the board voted to initiate the ordinance change.
The Board of Supervisors directed the Planning Commission to prepare a zoning ordinance amendment to allow backyard hens on typical residential lots after a multi-month public outreach effort and a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation.
Planner Tim Graves summarized the review: prior to 2014 poultry were not permitted in residential zoning; a 2014 amendment allowed poultry only on parcels at least 2 acres. Public outreach in 2024 drew 687 online survey responses and public listening sessions; roughly three quarters of respondents favored allowing chickens on parcels under 2 acres and about 80 percent supported limiting flocks to six hens.
The Planning Commission recommended allowing a maximum of six hens on lots under two acres, maintaining existing restrictions against roosters in residential zones and keeping rules on containment, setbacks and hygiene. Staff and animal-services records informed the discussion: animal services reported calls involving roaming chickens, animals impounded, and enforcement limitations because animal-control rules do not always allow animal-control officers to enforce the zoning ordinance. Community Development noted ten zoning complaints over several years specifically about chickens; most involved parcels under two acres where chickens are currently not allowed.
After discussion, Supervisor Charles Cox moved and Supervisor Wayne Pugh seconded a motion directing the Planning Commission to draft the ordinance amendment and prepare a draft for the board's authority to advertise. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said details such as setbacks, enclosure standards and enforcement mechanics (including whether code changes outside the zoning ordinance are needed) will be worked out during the ordinance drafting and public hearing process.
The Planning Commission and staff said the change would affect most residential parcels in the county (about 90 percent of lots in the referenced residential zones are under two acres) and urged the board to consider enforcement capacity as the ordinance is drafted.
