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Bel Air receives ordinance to allow hens on smaller lots; public hearing set for May 4
Summary
Commissioner Taylor sponsored Ordinance 859-26 to lower the minimum lot size for keeping hens to 5,000 sq ft (two hens), increasing by one hen per additional 5,000 sq ft. The planning commission supported the draft; the board voted to receive it and set a May 4 public hearing.
Bel Air commissioners on April 6 received Ordinance 859-26, a proposal to change town rules governing the raising of poultry on residential lots. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Taylor, would permit households on a single‑family detached lot of at least 5,000 square feet to keep two hens; for every additional 5,000 square feet the allowance increases by one hen (three hens at 10,000 sq ft, four at 15,000 sq ft, etc.).
"This is something that was brought to my attention by the owner of a residence over on Williams Street ... they fell in love with the chicks," Commissioner Taylor said explaining the rationale, adding that the planning commission reviewed and supported the ordinance without recommended amendments.
The board voted to receive the ordinance for further consideration and scheduled a public hearing for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Bel Air Town Hall. No members of the public spoke about the proposal during the meeting.
If approved after the hearing, the change would reduce the lot‑size threshold for residents to keep a small number of hens. Details such as permit requirements, setbacks, neighbor‑notice or enforcement were not discussed at length during the receipt; those specifics are expected to be considered during the public‑hearing and review process.
