Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission refers ordinance to Planning Commission to allow backyard chickens on single-family lots
Summary
The commission voted to send a proposed ordinance (No. 6723) to the Planning Commission that would amend zoning code section 7-29 to allow residents in Atchison city limits to keep chickens on any lot containing one continuously occupied single-family dwelling; the vote referred the draft for public hearing and staff review.
The Atchison City Commission on Sept. 2 voted to refer a proposed ordinance amendment (No. 6723) to the Planning Commission that would change zoning code language to permit residents to keep chickens on any city lot or parcel that contains one continuously occupied single-family dwelling.
City Manager Mark Westhoff explained the proposed change would modify an existing provision that limited chickens to lots zoned R-1. The draft language would instead make the use-based determination (occupied single-family dwelling) the trigger for eligibility, while retaining the ordinance's existing permit, setback, nuisance and inspection requirements.
Commissioner questions and clarifications
Commissioners asked how many chickens would be allowed and about free-range rules. Staff and commissioners confirmed the existing ordinance's density and setback rules remain unchanged: the ordinance sets a maximum tied to lot size (commission discussion referenced a cap of up to 10 birds as an example), and chickens must be kept within an enclosed run or yard; permit and inspection procedures also remain in place.
Motion and next steps
A motion to propose the ordinance to the Planning Commission was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The action refers the text to the Planning Commission, which will hold a public hearing and return a recommendation to the City Commission; the Sept. 2 vote did not adopt the ordinance.
What to expect
If the Planning Commission recommends adoption, the commission would receive the ordinance for consideration at a later meeting and could hold its own public hearing before adopting any amendment. The change would not allow chickens on vacant lots or at non-residential uses; the draft requires a continuously occupied single-family dwelling at the site to qualify for a permit.
Ending: The Planning Commission will schedule the public hearing and staff will continue to administer permit and inspection guidance as currently codified in section 7-29.
