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Spencer board narrowly approves one-year backyard-chicken pilot after heated public comment
Summary
After public comments both for and against, the Spencer Board of Aldermen voted to allow a one-year pilot permitting up to 12 backyard chicken permits (first-come, first-served) with conditions including revocation for noncompliance and neighbor-notice requirements.
The Spencer Board of Aldermen on July 9 approved a one-year pilot program that will allow a limited number of households to keep backyard chickens inside the town limits.
Supporters and opponents filled public comment before the vote. “I’m very much in favor of the pilot program that I’ve been hearing about,” said Nan Bloom, a resident who said she previously followed Charlotte rules for urban chickens and missed keeping hens after moving to Spencer. Opponents voiced public-health and nuisance concerns. “Chickens can carry salmonella and E. coli,” said Linda Miller, who also raised worries about noise, odor, predators and property values.
Town staff and the planner framed the pilot as a controlled test. The draft text approved by the board allows up to 12 permits in the first year on a first-come, first-served basis; applicants must submit a site survey showing coop location, adhere to setback and enclosure standards, and may face permit revocation if code enforcement documents violations. Staff said the pilot will include a neighbor-notice requirement (board members changed draft language from requiring neighbor sign-off to requiring notice) and that the program will be evaluated at the end of the 12 months.
Mayor Pro Tem moved to adopt the pilot with the text change discussed on the record; Ms. Moody seconded. The board recorded the motion as approved after a roll-call style count cited in the meeting as 5–4 with one board member noted separately (the transcript records the tally as “5 4 and 1 against”). The motion carries immediate effect; staff will prepare the permit form, fee recommendations and public-notice materials.
The board also directed staff to allow permit holders to display a small identifier sign so neighbors can see the household is participating in the town-run pilot. Staff emphasized the town may revoke any individual permit with 15 days’ notice if complaints or violations are confirmed, and the full pilot can be discontinued after the year if problems are widespread.
The matter will return to the board after 12 months for a formal evaluation and possible ordinance revision or termination of the pilot.
