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Owensboro commission approves ordinance allowing backyard hens after public debate
Summary
The Owensboro Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 15-2025 on second reading 3–2 to permit up to six female chickens in single-family backyards with rules on coops, setbacks and a $25 permit; the measure drew several hours of public comment pro and con.
The Owensboro Board of Commissioners narrowly approved an ordinance to allow backyard chickens in single-family yards on Sept. 16, 2025, after extended public comment and debate.
The 3–2 vote adopted Ordinance 15-2025 on its second reading. The ordinance permits up to six female chickens per household, bars roosters and other fowl, requires predator-proof covered coops with at least 3 square feet per bird, mandates coops be located at least 10 feet from a property line and 40 feet from a neighbor’s house or business, and establishes a $25 permit that may be revoked for violations. The ordinance does not override private deed restrictions or homeowners-association covenants.
Supporters said small-scale chicken keeping provides fresh eggs, educational opportunities for children and aligns Owensboro with peer cities in Kentucky. Resident Lindsey Thomas, who said she has kept chickens in Philpot, said they are "quiet. They don't smell bad. They don't make a mess," and described neighborhood experience where chickens were an asset. Shelby Eads and other residents urged commissioners to update the ordinance to reflect changing needs and sustainable local-food practices.
Opponents warned of noise, pests and neighbor conflicts. Former police officer John Kosloskis said from experience that "chicken coops don't make good neighbors," and described historical calls related to escaped birds and complaints about coop maintenance. Several speakers asked for clearer enforcement language and expressed concern about coops in dense, walkable neighborhoods.
City Manager Nate Pagan and staff framed the ordinance as consistent with other Kentucky municipalities and said enforcement would rely on the property-maintenance code and permit revocations for repeat violations. The mayor called the question after public comment and the ordinance passed by roll call 3–2.
The commission said deed restrictions and homeowners associations will still control specific neighborhood rules, and the permit requirement aims to provide a straightforward compliance mechanism. Next steps will include publishing permit details on the city website and administrative processes for inspections and revocations.
