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Council adopts backyard‑chickens ordinance after brief debate; vote 6–1
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance adding regulations for backyard chickens to the municipal code (new section 4‑28). Staff corrected errors in the packet (setback clarified to 20 feet). One councilmember strongly opposed; final voice vote recorded as 6–1.
The Newman City Council adopted an ordinance adding section 4‑28 to the municipal code to regulate backyard chickens.
At the meeting planning/staff corrected a discrepancy in the packet: the ordinance text requires a 20‑foot setback for coops/runs although an earlier draft in the packet listed 10 feet. Staff confirmed the corrected language in the official version and fixed a misspelling on the signature page. One councilmember expressed strong opposition on policy grounds, saying the city should not encourage chickens as a civic attraction and raised enforcement concerns for animal control and police. Despite that objection, the ordinance was adopted by voice vote; the chairman later recorded the tally as Motion carried 6–1.
