Commission begins drafting rules to allow backyard chickens on smaller lots; no ordinance yet

Morgan City Planning Commission discussed draft changes to the city’s farm-animal ordinance on June 17 to accommodate requests from residents to keep chickens on residential lots smaller than the ordinance's 20,000-square-foot threshold.

Staff (Jake) told commissioners the City Council asked planning staff to study allowing chickens on smaller lots and return with draft ordinance language. The commission provided direction and several substantive suggestions but took no final vote; staff said it would bring a proposed ordinance back, likely in July.

Why it matters: The existing Morgan City ordinance limits types and numbers of animals by lot area (generally one listed animal type per 20,000 square feet, with additional allowances per extra 10,000 square feet). Several residents and some commissioners said that many households already keep chickens and want a legal framework for small‑lot ownership. Commissioners focused on nuisance prevention, containment and enforcement mechanisms.

What was proposed and discussed

- Current code summary: The present code allows specified animals in residential zones but ties numbers to lot area (e.g., one of the listed animal types per 20,000 sq ft; additional allowances for each additional 10,000 sq ft).

- Draft suggestions from staff: For smaller lots, staff suggested ranges such as 4–6 hens on 8–10,000 sq ft lots; 6–8 hens on ~12,000 sq ft lots; and 8–10 hens on lots up to 20,000 sq ft. Staff also proposed standard requirements: no roosters in residential zones, coop setbacks, manure management, sealed feed storage to prevent rodents and containment on the owner's property.

- Simplifying math: Commissioner Jason suggested a simpler ratio—one hen per 2,000 square feet starting at an 8,000-square-foot minimum (so an 8,000 sq ft lot = 4 hens; 10,000 sq ft = 5 hens; 12,000 sq ft = 6 hens; 20,000 sq ft = 10 hens). Several commissioners supported presenting a clear, formulaic approach in the draft ordinance.

- Setbacks, containment and coop rules: Commissioners discussed whether the code should require birds to be kept in a coop or whether a secured fenced yard would suffice. Commissioners favored explicit coop-setback requirements from neighboring dwellings/property lines; suggestions included 5–10 feet from property lines and larger setbacks (10–40 feet) from adjacent dwellings in some comments. Several commissioners said containment and coop design standards reduce neighbor conflicts (damage to gardens, rodents, etc.).

- Roosters and other species: Commissioners generally supported prohibiting roosters in residential zones due to noise concerns. The commission also discussed ducks but several members recommended focusing the draft ordinance on chickens only (staff will decide whether to include ducks later).

- Enforcement and remedies: Gary (staff) reminded the commission that enforcement under current city code is primarily complaint-driven and noted civil remedies and local code enforcement procedures are available. He referenced existing enforcement provisions under Title 10 (zoning enforcement) and said individuals may pursue civil action for damages; staff also described an administrative sequence (warning, written order, follow-up, possible abatement or liens).

Next steps and staff direction

Staff will prepare a draft ordinance reflecting the commission's feedback—likely adopting a simple ratio (one hen per 2,000 sq ft starting at an 8,000 sq ft minimum), a residential prohibition on roosters, coop setback and containment requirements, feed storage and manure management standards, and clear language about complaint-driven enforcement—and return for commission review in a future meeting (staff suggested July).

Sources and provenance

This summary is based on the Morgan City Planning Commission work session discussion on June 17, 2025, where commissioners and staff discussed the draft farm-animal amendments.