Planning Board recommends changes to domesticated-chickens ordinance, favors a 2-acre threshold

The Cumberland Planning Board voted to recommend amendments to the town's domesticated-chickens ordinance (Cumberland Code of Ordinances 3-15-39) and directed staff to refine the language for council consideration.

Bridgette, the town planner, explained staff recommended removing a $10 licensing requirement and retaining the term "chickens" to be specific about species. Board members and several public commenters debated whether to limit domesticated chickens by lot size (1 acre vs. 2 acres), whether a strict per-lot cap (six chickens) should remain, and how recent state changes (LD 1829 and related state adjustments referenced during the discussion) affect municipal authority—particularly for multi-unit housing.

Members cited neighborhood concerns about noise and odor and the possibility that removing acreage limits could allow dozens of chickens on small parcels. Options discussed included restoring a licensing requirement, keeping a numerical cap of six per lot, applying performance standards (no odor beyond the property line) or setting a 2-acre threshold. After debate the board expressed a preference for a 2-acre approach and S4 moved that the board recommend the amended chapter to the town council as revised; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote recorded as unanimous.

The recommendation returns to the town council with staff-drafted language reflecting the board's direction. The council will consider the proposed ordinance changes and any additional public comment at that stage.