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Tualatin council adopts ordinances regulating domestic fowl after debate on noise and enforcement
Summary
After debate over noise, sanitation and enforcement, the Tualatin City Council adopted two ordinances permitting and regulating domestic fowl in low-density residential zones; both ordinances passed in roll-call votes recorded in the transcript as 4–3.
The Tualatin City Council voted on March 23 to amend the development code and municipal code to permit and regulate the keeping of domestic fowl in low-density residential zones, following council discussion about neighborhood impacts and compliance enforcement.
Councilors and members of the public raised concerns about persistent bird noise, potential health and sanitation issues, attraction of rodents or predators, and the city’s capacity to ensure compliance. Supporters said clearer local regulation and permitting would help enforce standards and reduce unregulated backyard practices.
The council considered two ordinances: Ordinance No. 1454–26 to amend the development code on permitted uses in low-density residential zones, and Ordinance No. 1455–26 to amend Title 6–15 of the municipal code relating to keeping domestic fowl. Both motions were moved, seconded and adopted in roll-call votes cited in the transcript as passing with 4 yes and 3 no votes.
Why this matters: The ordinances change what residents may keep in residential neighborhoods and add a permitting and enforcement framework. Council discussion emphasized the need for compliance checks and suggested adjusting licensing fees to cover inspection costs during upcoming budget discussions.
The council did not set an immediate implementation timetable in the delivered text; councilors said annual or biannual compliance checks should be considered and suggested that permit fees be calibrated to cover enforcement.
