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Liberty County commissioners follow planning staff, deny rezoning for backyard chickens
Summary
After public comment from supporters and a 750-signature petition, the Board of Commissioners voted to follow the planning commission’s recommendation and deny a rezoning request that residents said sought relief from a 300-foot chicken setback in the county animal ordinance.
William and Lynn Weiss asked the Liberty County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 to rezone 1.73 acres at 112 Oak Island Drive from R‑12 single‑family to R‑1 agricultural residential to allow a backyard chicken flock. The planning staff told the board the property is in an AE (100‑year) flood zone and that, under the county’s animal ordinance, coops and enclosures are unlawful within 300 feet of nearby residences in subdivisions.
William Weiss, who identified himself as the applicant, told commissioners he and neighbors have tried for more than a year to obtain clear guidance on keeping backyard chickens and said residents collected “about 750 names” on a petition asking for the rule to be revisited. “The broad nature of the code as it’s currently stated places most properties under 5 acres in the county in jeopardy of being noncompliant,” Weiss said, urging the commission to “return to the table” and consider an updated ordinance.
Several neighbors spoke in support. Michael Cook said he has kept chickens in the past and called the rule “unacceptable,” and Christian Banks described the process as “frustrating” and asked the board to pursue a “common sense resolution.” Marjorie Zaharco said she had no additional remarks but supported her predecessors’ comments.
Jeff Rickerson, Liberty County planning staff, told the board the planning commission had recommended disapproval at its recent meeting and emphasized that the zoning action alone would not override the county animal ordinance: “No matter what you do tonight, it’s not going to change the fact that chickens are not allowed on this property,” he said.
Commissioners noted the planning commission’s recommendation and a motion was made to follow LCPC’s recommendation for disapproval. One commissioner said the board plans to revisit the 300‑foot animal ordinance and publish any proposed change publicly before taking action. The motion to follow the LCPC recommendation was seconded and moved to a vote; the transcript records the board proceeding with the motion and taking an aye vote, but no detailed roll call or numerical tally is recorded in the meeting transcript.
What happens next: The rezoning request was denied following the LCPC recommendation. Commissioners signaled they will consider an ordinance review at a later date and said any change would be publicly posted for comment.
