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Council tables backyard-chicken specific-use after neighbor complaints
Summary
After a neighbor played a recording of a rooster and raised concerns about odor, runoff and noise, the council withdrew a motion to adopt a specific-use permit for backyard chickens and instead tabled the item to March 11, asking Planning & Zoning Director Mandi LeBlanc to attend.
The St. Mary Parish Council on Feb. 11 paused action on a specific-use permit that would allow a resident, Bryan Rock, to keep chickens and a rooster in a neighborhood zoning district.
Bayou Vista resident Tina Billiot Rainey told the council her rear property borders Mr. Rock’s parcel and complained of foul odors, waste draining into her yard during rain, and a rooster that crows throughout the day; she played a recording of the rooster during public comment. After council discussion about notice requirements to neighbors, current number of chickens, setbacks, permitted sale of edible items and whether conditions rise to a public nuisance, Rodney Olander moved to adopt the ordinance then withdrew the motion amid the discussion.
Mr. Olander then moved to table Item 13A to the March 11, 2026 meeting and requested Planning & Zoning Director Mandi LeBlanc be present to answer notification questions; Dr. Kristi Prejeant Rink seconded and the motion carried. Rev. Craig Mathews cast the lone no vote. The record shows the council deferred a final decision to allow staff to provide additional information and to give neighbors further notice and opportunity to comment.
