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Council grants appeal allowing chickens at 238 South Second Street after hearing from appellant
Summary
The Seward City Council voted unanimously to grant an appeal by Jaden and Brianna Bolski to allow a chicken coop at 238 South Second Street, overriding an administrative denial that had been based on a 75-foot neighbor-signature requirement; council asked staff to formalize a clearer appeal and notification process.
The Seward City Council voted to grant an appeal that will allow chickens at 238 South Second Street after hearing testimony from the property owner and extended discussion about the city’s ordinance and appeal procedures.
Appellant Jaden Bolski told the council he and his wife want the coop so their children can learn responsibility and the family can have fresh eggs. “Our chicken coop is going to be out of her line of sight…we're not trying to be a nuisance to any neighbors,” Bolski said in presenting the family's case. He said most nearby neighbors have signed in support; one adjacent owner did not.
City Administrator explained the denial was made under the city’s animal-permit rule, which requires signatures from all property owners within a 75-foot distance measured from the property line. The administrator said the denial “was based on the ordinance that it did not have the signatures of all of the neighbors within that area,” and noted the city currently lacks a formal, spelled-out appeal notice process for such permits.
Council members questioned whether the Bolski family had contacted the neighbor who withheld permission; Bolski said they had. Members weighed precedent, noting that larger communities sometimes prohibit chickens while smaller towns may permit them with limits. One council member said the family’s claimed history of harassment influenced their support for the appeal, while another cautioned that the objecting neighbor was not present to speak.
After discussion, a council member moved and another seconded to grant the appeal. The motion passed with six votes in favor. Council directed staff to develop clearer procedures for future appeals: notify and mail the property owners within the 75-foot zone, place the administrative cost of the notification on applicants, and outline a consistent appeal-notice process so neighbors are aware before a hearing.
The council’s action allows the Bolski family to proceed with their chicken coop as described at the meeting, subject to any building or animal-care requirements in the ordinance. Staff said the council could revisit the underlying ordinance if members want broader changes to how animals are regulated in town.
