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Council hears citizen petition on backyard chickens; draft ordinance with training and setbacks circulated for review
Summary
Citizens presented a petition seeking permission to keep backyard hens; councilmembers reviewed a draft ordinance that would require permits, training and setbacks and asked for additional time and public feedback before any vote.
Councilmembers discussed a citizen-led request to allow backyard chickens in Georgetown at the March 24 meeting. A petition with more than 400 signatures prompted council members Greg Hampton and another councilmember to draft a comprehensive ordinance and circulate it for council review.
What the draft would require: The council discussed a proposal that includes several safeguards designed to limit nuisance and public-health concerns: required permits/licenses, minimum setbacks (including prohibiting structures up against neighboring property lines), limits on flock size, and a requirement that applicants provide proof of completion of an urban-chicken class through the county extension office before a permit is issued. Staff indicated the extension office can provide training sessions several times a year if the council adopts the permitting approach.
Why it matters: Petitioners said they want the option to raise hens for hobby or household food production. Councilmembers and members of the public raised practical concerns about ongoing costs (feed), veterinary availability, noise, neighbor impacts and enforcement. Council emphasized that homeowners associations and private covenants would continue to govern private agreements and would not be overridden by any city ordinance.
Next steps: Council members asked the pair who drafted the ordinance to gather feedback and requested staff to work with the city attorney to prepare a legally vetted draft. Council did not vote on the ordinance; council members asked for more detail, a highlighted ordinance text and public input before any formal action.
Quotes from the meeting: One supporter who described organizing the petition said the effort was citizen-driven and attracted “over 400” names. A councilmember who reviewed ordinance drafts said, “We put a whole lot of thick safeguards in to make it as palatable as possible for people that might be opposed.” City staff recommended applicants complete a training course and provide proof on application.
Ending: The council asked drafters and staff to return with a refined ordinance and recommended maps and to solicit public feedback; no vote was taken.
