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Draft Canton ordinance would let residents keep up to six hens, staff says
Summary
Staff presented a draft general‑ordinance amendment to permit hens (no roosters) as an accessory use in specified residential districts, proposing a not‑firm 1‑acre threshold and a six‑hen limit; enforcement, permitting, and public‑health reporting remain under discussion.
Planning staff presented a draft general‑ordinance amendment on May 18 to allow residents to keep hens (female chickens only) as an accessory use in specified districts, with draft limits and enclosure standards.
The draft—intended for the township code rather than the zoning ordinance—would permit up to six hens on qualifying lots (the draft used a 1‑acre minimum as a placeholder for discussion), require enclosed coops with specified setbacks and vermin‑control measures, and prohibit on‑site commercial egg sales and slaughtering. Staff proposed that the Township Clerk’s office could administer a permit or registration, but said the clerk and ordinance‑enforcement staff will be consulted before finalizing that approach.
“Some communities require a permit, some don’t,” Patrick told the commission. “We’ll have more information as we go forward in terms of some recommendations from the clerk’s office and ordinance enforcement.”
Commissioners asked whether chicken coops should count against accessory‑structure limits, whether a reporting requirement should exist for sudden bird deaths (avian influenza), and whether mobile 'chicken tractors' should be addressed; staff said they would check state public‑health rules and consult ordinance enforcement. Commissioners and staff emphasized the draft’s focus on hens for personal use (eggs, pets) and not commercial operations.
No voting action occurred; staff will refine the ordinance and return with recommendations on permitting, inspections and health reporting.
