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Eustis adopts backyard-chicken ordinance after split vote; rules, permits, enforcement set
Summary
On second reading the City Commission adopted Ordinance 25-37 to create a residential backyard-chicken permitting program with standards of care, permitting requirements and enforcement provisions. The measure passed 3–2 on roll call.
The City of Eustis adopted Ordinance 25-37 on second reading to establish a residential backyard-chicken program and related development-code standards.
Ordinance 25-37 creates a new article in the land-development regulations titled "Residential Backyard Chickens Program," establishes permit requirements, standards of care, enforcement mechanisms and a program-review process for the city. Staff told the commission the ordinance includes permit application requirements, standards for coop size and set-backs, animal-care rules and penalties for violations; the ordinance also provides for periodic program review and automatic continuation unless the commission acts otherwise.
The commission took a roll-call vote on second reading. Vice Mayor Gary Ashcraft, Commissioner Asboni and Mayor Hawkins voted in favor; Commissioners Holland and Lee voted no, producing a 3–2 margin for adoption.
During the discussion several commissioners raised concerns about enforcement capacity and the need for clear standards of care; dissenting commissioners said they preferred additional review before adoption. Staff said code enforcement would oversee permits, inspections and follow-up.
Effective date and next steps: the ordinance was adopted on second reading and will be codified in city land-development regulations; staff will implement permitting procedures and return to the commission with any program adjustments after the first review period.
