Planning board backs District 1 ordinance allowing up to six backyard chickens, drops neighbor‑consent requirement

The Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of amendments to Chapter 62 that would allow up to six chickens on certain single‑family lots within the District‑1 boundary, but removed a proposed requirement that applicants obtain a signed affidavit of consent from all adjacent property owners.

Staff told the board the proposal grew from a legislative intent approved by the Board of County Commissioners and was modeled on other municipal codes; the ordinance would require administrative approval, a deed or authorization if the applicant is not the owner, and participation in an IFAS backyard‑chicken education class if the measure passes as drafted. Fees for the administrative approval have not yet been set.

Board members debated neighbor consent, lot‑size limits and slaughtering practices. Ruth, who spoke from personal experience keeping hens, described animal‑welfare considerations and urged policies that allow practical flock sizes. “Chickens are flock animals — having one chicken isolated by itself is seen as cruel,” she said, and recommended removing the adjacent‑owner consent requirement while keeping notification and training requirements. Other members expressed concern about small lots, predator attraction, odors and enforcement capacity.

Ruth moved to recommend approval with removal of the adjacent‑owner consent affidavit; Jared seconded and the board approved the recommendation. The change applies only to District 1 as drafted; the County Commission will consider the ordinance on May 7, 2026.