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Commission clarifies animal rules, says 'school' excludes homeschools; ordinance passes 4‑1
Summary
Ordinance 18‑39 amending chapter 6 to specify that 'school' does not include a homeschool operating from a private residence passed after staff said the change is for enforcement clarity and does not authorize chickens in private homes; Commissioner Riddle cast the lone no vote.
The Dickinson City Commission adopted Ordinance 18‑39 on Nov. 4 to amend section 6‑81 of the municipal code, clarifying that for purposes of the chapter the term "school" does not include a homeschool operating out of a private residence.
City Attorney Wenco explained that the clarification was driven by enforcement issues where the code and other chapters did not define "school in the typical sense," and that the change is intended to make enforcement clear. "For the purpose of this section, school does not include a homeschool operating out of a private residence," Wenco said. Wenco also emphasized the amendment does not authorize chickens or domestic fowl in private residences: "We are not authorizing chickens in the city of Dickinson. That's not what this does."
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Commissioner Bair moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner Murphy seconded. During the vote Commissioner Riddle, identifying himself as a member of the homeschool community, said: "As being a member of the homeschool community, I vote no for segregating homeschool from school." The motion carried 4‑1 with the chair voting aye.
