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Avondale council adopts code changes to allow up to six backyard chickens consistent with new state law
Summary
Council unanimously approved amendments to Avondale City Code chapters 3 and 28 to align local rules with House Bill 2325 (effective 09/14/2024), allowing residents of single-family detached homes to keep up to six backyard chickens subject to setback, size and height limits.
The Avondale City Council unanimously approved city-initiated amendments to City Code chapters 3 and 28 on Sept. 9 to align local regulations with recent state law that permits keeping backyard chickens in single-family detached residences.
Deputy Director of Planning Catherine explained the changes and said most substantive content will now appear in chapter 3. Key provisions highlighted by staff include:
• Eligibility: applies only to residents of single-family detached homes. • Number limit: up to six backyard chickens per eligible residence. • Location and setbacks: chicken enclosures must be located in the rear or side yard and be at least 20 feet from the property line. • Size and height: maximum enclosure area of 200 square feet; on smaller lots the enclosure must be shorter than the fence line; on lots over one acre the maximum height may be up to 8 feet. • Roosters: the code excludes male fowl (roosters).
Catherine said the changes respond to House Bill 2325, which takes effect Sept. 14, 2024, and that the planning commission held a public hearing Aug. 21 and recommended the ordinance. Staff said the city received one written comment in support and no public speakers attended the council hearing.
Mayor Weiss used the opportunity to express concern about state intervention in local code, saying he did not believe backyard fowl rises to a matter of statewide concern and urging council to consider charter-city authority in future cases; staff clarified the city’s options and the council proceeded to vote.
Motion and vote: Councilmember Condie moved to approve the zoning text amendments (item 5B) after also approving the chapter 3 amendments earlier in the meeting; Councilmember Malone seconded and the amendments passed by unanimous voice vote (all members recorded Aye).
What’s next: the amendments will be incorporated into the city code to reflect state law; staff will publish the updated code and notify residents of the new standards for backyard fowl.
