Residents press council to loosen lot‑size rule in draft backyard‑chicken ordinance

A Washington resident told the committee of the whole he supports a draft ordinance to permit backyard chickens but asked the council to lower the proposed minimum lot size so more households can participate.

Jacob Spitzer, who spoke during citizen comments, said the proposed ordinance’s five-hen limit, ban on roosters, and cleanliness requirements were reasonable safeguards, but he objected to the draft’s minimum lot‑size threshold. “According to the memo presented in the planning and zoning committee meeting, that requirement excludes over 90% of properties in Washington,” Spitzer said, urging the council to reduce the minimum from three‑quarters of an acre to one‑quarter or allow a case‑by‑case approval process for smaller lots.

Planning staff told the council the previous 2019 ordinance had no minimum lot size and the current draft included a 3/4‑acre minimum along with a 15‑foot sideyard setback and a 25‑foot rear setback. Council discussion indicated support for reducing or eliminating the minimum lot size and instead focusing on setbacks, conditional approvals, or administrative review to preserve neighborhood compatibility.

Separately, staff also reported four Planning & Zoning Commission cases for nonowner‑occupied short‑term rentals that were unanimously recommended for first reading at the next council meeting (addresses provided in the packet). Those four properties will proceed to council first readings next week, and operators will then seek administrative certificates of registration if conditions are met.

What happens next: Staff said the draft ordinance will be revised to reflect council direction (reduce or remove minimum lot‑size requirement and emphasize setbacks/conditional process) and will be returned for first reading.