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Council Eases Rules for Backyard Chickens, Approves Permit Fee Structure
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 25‑2 reducing property‑boundary restrictions for backyard chickens, limiting flocks to six hens (no roosters), and setting a permit fee of $50 the first year and $25 annual renewals; staff will inspect initial permits and respond to complaints.
The City Council on March 25 adopted changes to zoning rules governing agricultural uses on residential property that make backyard chicken keeping more accessible while retaining public‑health and nuisance safeguards.
Public commenter Taurus Laurie said requiring a fee to keep chickens "just to help feed their family" felt punitive. "Charging someone just to help feed their family just seems like a draconian move," Laurie said.
June, a planning/staff presenter, described the ordinance changes: the property boundary requirement has been reduced from the previous, more restrictive distances; permitting and inspection processes are clarified; the initial permit fee was reduced to $50 (from a previously proposed $100) with $25 annual renewals; roosters remain prohibited; slaughter or on‑site sale of poultry or eggs is not allowed; and the maximum number of chickens per property is capped at six.
June said staff would inspect the site when an initial permit is submitted and rely on a complaint response system thereafter, with routine checks tied to permit renewals. Councilmembers framed the changes as making ownership more accessible in the city while balancing neighbor concerns.
The ordinance passed by roll call vote; staff will implement the permitting and inspection process as described.
