Danbury zoning hearing on proposal to allow poultry as household pets draws sharp split between public health, enforcement concerns and neighborhood supporters

The Danbury Zoning Commission on July 23 heard a public petition seeking to amend city zoning to allow poultry — described in the proposal as “poultry as household pets” — to be kept as an accessory use across residential zones.

Attorney Neil Marcus, representing property owners Xavier and Alina Gomez, told the commission the petition is intended to resolve an inconsistency in Danbury’s code that treats poultry only as a farm use. "Chickens are not prohibited in Danbury, but you have to raise them on a farm," Marcus said, arguing that a permit or licensing system, similar to ones used in nearby towns, could reduce illegal flocks and make enforcement simpler.

Marcus and the Gomezes emphasized small-scale, noncommercial keeping: Alina Gomez said her family raises a small flock on their 2.2-acre RA‑80 lot and treats the birds as pets. "My chicken keeping is an unlawful act" under current rules, she said, noting the family keeps the birds out of public view and manages coop placement and waste.

Staff and public‑health officials urged caution. Deputy Planning Director Jennifer Emminger read the staff report, noting the proposed subsection "poultry as household pets" conflicts with existing section 4.g.6.a, which permits poultry…