Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CRB recommends ordinance allowing up to four backyard chickens in specified residential zones, with conditions
Summary
The Community Redevelopment Board voted to recommend ordinance 2552-2026 to allow up to four backyard chickens on single-family and duplex properties in specified zoning districts, approving conditions for coop height, screening options, annual inspections and a permit fee.
The Community Redevelopment Board voted on May 5 to forward a recommendation to the city commission in favor of an ordinance to allow backyard chickens on certain residential properties, with conditions on coop height, screening and enforcement.
Staff introduced ordinance 2552-2026 as an amendment to the city's land development code to permit keeping up to four chickens as an accessory use on occupied detached single-family and duplex properties within identified residential zoning districts, including R1A, R1 and R2 and the urban neighborhood districts. "The city commission directed staff to prepare the necessary ordinance to allow backyard chickens within certain residential zoning districts," a staff member explained.
A resident who keeps chickens described small-flock practices, saying the birds supply eggs for daily family use, require limited maintenance for small flocks, and offer educational and composting benefits. The resident also asked for flexibility on coop height and proposed hedges as an alternative to an opaque fencing requirement.
Board members asked whether the change applied citywide and whether it created new enforcement burdens. Staff said the ordinance would apply citywide within the listed zoning districts, that the permit includes an optional annual inspection and that a zoning fee would apply. Staff referenced a $65 zoning fee tied to the city's fee schedule.
After discussion the board approved a motion to recommend the ordinance with modifications: allow a seven-foot coop height (rather than six feet), permit a five-foot opaque screening option including hedges as an alternative to fencing, and retain permit and inspection language. The roll call recorded five votes in favor and two opposed; the motion carried. Board members who voted in favor included Vice Chair Moser and Board members Laughlin, Debor (de Bard), Whan and Monero; the chair and Board member James voted no.
The board's action is advisory to the city commission; staff will forward the CRB recommendation and the revised draft ordinance for commission consideration.
