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Planning board tables proposed chicken‑coop UDO changes for more study; members suggest caps and no‑roosters rule
Summary
The planning board voted unanimously to table a proposed UDO change reducing chicken‑coop setbacks from 150 ft to 60 ft and asked staff to research model ordinances; board members discussed options including a cap (e.g., six hens), no roosters, and proportional per‑acre allowances.
On April 27 the Weddington Planning Board unanimously tabled text amendment 2026‑4, which would amend Section D 9117D (agricultural uses) to allow residential chicken coops by reducing setbacks from 150 feet to 60 feet (the same setback used for horse barns).
Greg, the town planner, framed the change as intended to avoid an effective prohibition on backyard chickens caused by the current 150‑ft side and rear setbacks. Board members and a councilmember in the audience noted that chickens are common in town and that a change should carefully balance residents’ ability to keep hens with neighbor nuisance and waste concerns.
Discussion points included the form of any limits (a flat cap on chickens, for example "maximum six hens and no roosters" suggested during the meeting), whether special permitting should apply, and whether allowances should scale by lot size or acreage. Participants referenced other municipal "backyard hen" ordinances and a recent North Carolina Supreme Court reference concerning HOAs (noted in discussion) to emphasize that HOAs may ban chickens while municipal code can allow agricultural uses.
The board asked staff to return with research and recommended language tailored to Weddington — covering setbacks, maximum number of hens, prohibition on roosters, coop sizing, and whether a permit regime or per‑acre standard is appropriate. The motion to table passed unanimously so the board can review refined draft language at a future meeting.
