Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Backyard Poultry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts changes to UDO to allow regulated backyard poultry after heated public hearing
Summary
After extended public comment and council discussion, Riverside adopted Ordinance 260880 (text revisions permitting backyard poultry under registration and deed-restriction protections) and Ordinance 260881 (corresponding zoning map); 260880 passed 6–1, with Councilmember Gaby voting no.
Riverside City Council adopted two ordinances Monday updating the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to include provisions for backyard poultry and the corresponding zoning map.
Ordinance 260880 (the UDO text) incorporated council-directed revisions to permit small-scale poultry under a registration system. Council discussed a deed-restriction map that would prevent permits in neighborhoods where restrictive covenants were recorded at platting; staff said permits would not be issued in those mapped areas. The law director explained that designating the ordinance an "emergency" would make it effective immediately if adopted, removing the charter’s usual 30-day waiting period.
Speakers for and against the change addressed the council during an extended public hearing. Opponents raised concerns about odors, disease, predators and enforcement, while supporters noted permit requirements, coop drawings and fines for noncompliance. Janice Pitzer said she feared impacts on property values and asked who would monitor coops. Dan Teaford called chickens "dirty" and said most residents oppose the change; Joe Lemke and others described registration requirements and minimum property-size rules contained in the proposed code.
Council approved the ordinance text by roll call (6 yes, 1 no — Mister Gaby). The companion ordinance 260881 (the zoning map) was opened for public hearing; no one spoke and council adopted the map ordinance by unanimous roll call.
Council indicated that if changes are later required, the planning commission would originate those recommendations; staff said the planning commission already had considered the rewrite and council has final authority on adoption.
