Planning commission recommends denial of proposal to allow one rooster on R‑1 lots

The Warren County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors deny a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow one rooster on R‑1 residential lots of one acre or larger, with coop requirements including an insulated coop between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Planning staff said the amendment was prepared at the direction of the Board of Supervisors to permit one rooster on qualifying R‑1 properties and included required coop hours and an insulation requirement. Dozens of residents and association representatives testified during an extended public hearing that included sharply contrasting views.

Opponents, including Watts Hill (High Knob Property Owners Association president) and Carol Phillips, said roosters produce loud and unpredictable noise that can carry long distances and questioned the county’s capacity to measure or enforce sound standards. Phillips called the insulated‑coop requirement vague and asked for objective standards and enforceability measures.

Supporters, including Megan Hodey and others, countered that Warren County is designated rural by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and that roosters are a traditional part of rural life; the pro‑amendment group submitted a 260‑signature petition in support. Supporters also said roosters aid resilience and small‑scale food production.

Commissioners discussed practicality, enforcement resources and potential secondary effects (such as increased flock sizes if eggs are fertilized). After debate, a commissioner moved to forward the amendment to the Board with a recommendation to deny; the motion passed with one abstention recorded.