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Spring Hill delays second reading of backyard‑hen ordinance to add performance standards after neighbor complaints
Summary
After public comments about free‑range birds and enforcement gaps, the board voted 9–0 to defer second/final reading of ordinance 25‑18 (keeping backyard hens) so staff can draft performance standards and return on August 18.
The board deferred final action on an amendment to Spring Hill Municipal Code section 10‑102 regarding backyard hens on July 21, voting 9–0 to return the item with performance standards.
During a public hearing, residents from Hunters Point described ongoing problems with neighboring properties that allow loose, free‑range chickens and large coops. Jean Tamberrillo told the board she enjoys chickens but said the existing rules were not being enforced and described the odor and property impacts she and neighbors reported: “I don't have a problem with chickens, but I have a problem with a lot of chickens that are gonna smell.” Another resident said several nearby homes already exceed the existing four‑hen limit and allow free‑range birds that enter neighboring yards.
Development Services Director Miss Sanders acknowledged enforcement complaints and said the proposed amendment could include performance standards — distance from property lines, square footage per bird and coop requirements — that would allow some homeowners with larger parcels to keep more hens while addressing compatibility in suburban neighborhoods. “Incomplete plan sets are just going to get kicked back. We're not going to review them,” Sanders said in a separate context about improving submittals; she also described drafting performance standards for coops to balance impacts.
Board action
Alderman Davis moved to defer second/final reading and direct staff to prepare performance standards and return the ordinance for consideration at the August 18 meeting at City Hall; Alderman Warner seconded the motion. The motion to defer passed 9–0.
Context and next steps
- Current limit and enforcement: Several residents said a four‑hen limit exists today; they complained that enforcement has been inconsistent. Staff did not confirm the precise existing numeric standard in the public hearing but acknowledged enforcement occurs through the citizen complaint portal. - Performance standards: Staff suggested the standards could address coop square footage per bird, setback from property lines and other compatibility requirements; staff will draft those standards and present them at the Aug. 18 meeting. The board noted many neighborhoods are also governed by homeowners associations that could impose further restrictions.
Ending
The ordinance was not adopted. Staff will prepare and present proposed performance standards and clarifying language, and the board will consider the ordinance at its next regular meeting on August 18.
