Spring Hill board discusses updating backyard-hen rules to allow more hens by lot size

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed a proposed ordinance at the June 2 work session that would change Spring Hill's limit on backyard hens from a flat four-hen maximum to a formula allowing one hen per 1,500 square feet of lot area on non-agricultural parcels.

Alderman Fuqua introduced the proposal, saying the change would primarily affect owners of larger lots who currently are constrained by the flat cap. He said the formula would not change typical small-lot allowances—most residential lots would still be limited to four hens—but would permit more hens for half-acre and larger properties.

Staff spoke in favor of the change. Miss Sanders (staff member) said the proposal is consistent with national municipal trends and would better reflect Spring Hill's agricultural roots as the city has grown. A staff presenter described the calculation example used in the proposal: a 10,000-square-foot lot would compute to 6.6667 hens and the allowance would be rounded down to six hens under the draft language.

The board asked about enforcement, homeowners associations and permitting. Staff said the city's permit scheme would remain separate from homeowners associations'rules; if an HOA bans hens, the city would still be obligated to issue a permit consistent with city code, and any HOA enforcement would be a private contractual matter between neighbors and the HOA. Staff said permitted hens must be kept in enclosures, may not run at large, and that code enforcement would respond to complaints and could revoke permits for noncompliance. The staff presenter recommended using recorded lot dimensions from plats to validate eligibility rather than conducting on-site inspections for every permit application, citing staffing constraints for field inspectors.

Several aldermen sought clarity on how the formula translates into practical allowances in subdivisions. Alderman Davis asked about odors and yard maintenance; staff noted enclosure and separation requirements that apply and reiterated that roosters remain prohibited under the proposal. Vice Mayor Linville and others asked whether alternative formulas exist; staff said the square-foot-per-hen approach (1,500 sq ft/hen) is a current national standard among municipalities.

The board did not take a formal vote; the item will move forward for additional drafting and a future ordinance reading if the board directs it.

Why it matters: The change would alter what household-scale agriculture residents may undertake and affects neighbors' expectations about proximity, odors and animal control. Staff cautioned that most lots remain small enough that the practical effect is limited to larger-lot neighborhoods.

What the board directed next: Staff will continue drafting the ordinance language and will rely on plot-recorded lot sizes for permit determinations unless the board directs otherwise.