Lee County panel recommends limited backyard chickens, adopts new setback rule

The Lee County Planning Commission recommended that the county board adopt a zoning text amendment allowing limited backyard chickens in R-2 single-family residential districts while retaining restrictions on farm animals in R-1 areas.

The commission’s recommendation, approved by voice vote, amends the draft chicken rule to require that all enclosures, including fencing, be located at least 15 feet from any property line, not be placed in front or side yards, and “must be placed such that the distance of the enclosure from the primary residence is less than the distance from the enclosure to any neighboring primary residence.” The motion to forward the petition to the county board carried after public comment and discussion.

Why it matters: Under current county zoning, agriculture — including keeping chickens — is not allowed…