The Sydney City Council on Dec. 2 adopted a revised ordinance allowing backyard chickens in non‑agricultural and rural zones after a 4–1 vote.

Interim City Manager Josh Hanson presented the updated draft, saying it removes a privacy‑fence requirement, expands enforcement measures and adds provisions related to animal neglect. Hanson said the revisions were developed after collaboration with resident Megan Donardo and Sydney code enforcement officer Sierra Nickel.

Councilmember discussion praised Donardo’s work and expressed general support for the compromise language. Council voted first to waive the three readings (motion passed 4–1) and then to adopt the ordinance as read. The clerk read the ordinance title as “An ordinance to amend part 6 general offenses code chapter 6.18, animals to add a new section 6.18.06, backyard chickens,” and the number was read in the record as “18 85” (transcript reads as +1 885). The council also moved to publish the ordinance following adoption.

The manager emphasized he did not take a personal position on the ordinance but recommended the council consider the enforcement language to support code and police efforts. The ordinance changes are intended to make enforcement clearer for the city’s limited code‑enforcement resources.

The measure passed with one recorded dissenting vote. The council’s action moves the ordinance toward local implementation; the transcript did not specify an effective date or details on permitting procedures beyond the text read into the record.

The next procedural step is publication of the ordinance as directed by the council.