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Council moves forward with first reading to allow backyard chickens; residents divided
Summary
On first reading the council introduced an amendment to permit backyard chickens with containment rules. Supporters cited food security and self‑reliance; opponents raised concerns about odor, property upkeep and neighborhood impacts. The item will return for second reading after additional outreach.
The Bossier City Council introduced a first‑reading ordinance to amend Section 14‑33 of the municipal code to permit backyard chickens under specified containment requirements.
Public commenters, including Brenda Davis, urged the council to permit chickens, citing health benefits, self‑reliance after COVID and examples of other Louisiana cities that allow backyard poultry. Davis offered a handout listing cities in the state that permit backyard chickens and asked the council to give residents two weeks for further input before final action.
Opponents and some council members said past incidents — one property in North Bossier had an excessive number of birds — motivated the ban and voiced concerns about smell, yard maintenance and the burden on code enforcement and police to respond to complaints. Council members stressed that staff would respond to complaints and that enforcement is already part of existing property standards.
Councilman Hammonds and others noted many homeowners already keep chickens and supported repealing the ban with reasonable guidelines, while Councilwoman Ross and other members said they worry about enforcement and unintended consequences. Several council members encouraged citizens to contact their council members ahead of the second reading; the motion to introduce passed on voice vote.
The ordinance as introduced permits backyard chickens within coops, limits numbers and prohibits free‑roaming birds; specific limits and enforcement mechanisms will be refined before final adoption.
