Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances ordinance to allow up to six hens on residential lots, adjusts setback rules
Summary
On first reading the council introduced Ordinance No. 8-25 to permit up to six hens (no roosters) and to require coops be 20 feet from any habitable structure and 5 feet from property lines; council asked staff to monitor odor complaints and odd-shaped side-yard impacts.
The City Council introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 8-25 (Dennis Billido Memorial Ordinance), which amends Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to change backyard-chicken rules for residential properties.
Key changes in the introduced ordinance: (1) increase the maximum number of hens to six (roosters remain prohibited); (2) require chicken coops to be at least 5 feet from property lines and 20 feet from any habitable structure (whether the owner's or a neighbor's); and (3) remove chickens from the combined animal count (so chickens are not counted together with dogs and cats for the animal limit).
Multiple council members and residents raised concerns about odor, pests and enforcement on irregularly shaped parcels where a side-yard coop might be closer to a neighbor's habitable room. Council Member Gutierrez suggested monitoring and revisiting the ordinance if side-yard properties generate repeated complaints; staff said code enforcement can address odor and maintenance violations and recommended Google/GIS tools for measuring setbacks. Christina Hoots, a resident, spoke in favor of the ordinance noting some lots never met the prior 20-foot setback and the change would legalize backyard hens for interested residents.
Council approved the introduction and first reading of the ordinance 7–0 and directed staff to monitor complaints and provide further implementation guidance.
