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Bel Air commissioners move to allow hens on smaller single‑family detached lots, drop proposed permit
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Summary
After extended debate, commissioners agreed to amend town code to permit hens on single‑family detached lots down to 5,000 sq ft, keep the limit at two hens for small lots, and remove a proposed coop permit and neighbor‑notice requirement; staff will redraft language for formal action.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on March 31 agreed in principle to revise the town code to allow domestic hens (but not roosters) on smaller single‑family detached lots, keeping the number of hens at two on 5,000‑square‑foot lots and foregoing a proposed permit requirement.
Commissioner (who introduced the ordinance) said the change responds to a constituent whose lot is under 10,000 square feet and who asked to keep hens for family use. The original draft would have reduced the minimum lot size from 10,000 to 5,000 square feet, added a permit and coop specifications, and proposed one hen at the 5,000‑sq‑ft level with additional hens allowed for each additional 5,000 sq ft.
The deputy director of planning advised the board the amendments would align town code with state agricultural law and remove an ambiguity between two town code sections; staff initially recommended a standard coop permit and a sliding scale for hens, and noted roosters would remain prohibited. “Roosters are not permitted,” the deputy director said.
Several commissioners pushed back on the permit proposal. One said the town has not experienced complaints under the existing informal practice and worried a permit and fee would be unnecessary bureaucracy. Another argued that requiring a single hen could chill interest and advocated retaining a minimum of two hens so backyard keepers could provide companionship for the animals.
Board members also discussed enforcement and nuisance pathways, with staff explaining that structures over 200 square feet require a permit and that severe odor or health problems could fall under state public‑health authorities. Commissioners noted that homeowners associations and private covenants can still prohibit chickens even if the town law permits them.
After discussion, the introducing commissioner said they would submit revised ordinance language for Monday’s agenda that would: limit the change to single‑family detached lots, keep the 5,000‑sq‑ft minimum, retain a two‑hen minimum for the smallest permitted lots (removing the proposed 1‑hen limit), and remove the proposed permit application and neighbor‑notice requirement. Staff agreed to prepare the redraft and said they would attempt to expedite planning commission review where possible.
The board did not take a final vote at the work session; the ordinance will return to the public agenda after staff revisions and planning commission input.
