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Council gives first reading to ordinance that would allow up to six chickens with a one‑time permit; staff flags height cross-reference
Summary
Community development staff presented Ordinance No. 609 for first reading to regulate backyard chickens: it proposes a one-time permit (instead of annual) and increases the allowed number from four to six. Staff noted the ordinance cross-references the accessory-structure rules (currently amended to permit structures up to 26 feet), which could unintentionally permit very tall coops without an exception.
Community development manager Caruso presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 609, proposed amendments to Chapter 14 of the Brighton City Code regulating animals. The principal changes in the draft before council were twofold: replacing an annual permit requirement with a one-time permit (with a fee to be proposed by staff) for keeping chickens, and increasing the maximum number of chickens allowed per property from four to six.
Caruso cautioned that the draft currently cross-references the city's accessory-structure standards (section 98-5.16) when defining enclosures and noted a recent amendment to the accessory-structure rules had increased allowable heights to 26 feet. Caruso said that cross-reference could allow unusually tall chicken enclosures unless the ordinance includes a specific height exception or clarifying language; he asked council whether they wanted that reference adjusted before adoption.
Council members discussed practical implications and possible dual-use accessory structures (e.g., converting or sharing an outbuilding) and asked staff to consider height and design exceptions. No adoption occurred; council scheduled the matter for further review and asked staff to refine the language, fee proposal and any exceptions (including a height limit) ahead of the public hearing and formal adoption process.
