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Webster ZBA grants one-year permit for backyard hens with screening requirements
Summary
The ZBA approved a one-year special-use permit allowing up to eight hens at 1813 Milessworth Lane, conditioned on evergreen screening along specified property lines and standard maintenance measures. The permit is a trial to monitor neighborhood impacts.
The Town of Webster Zoning Board of Appeals on June 9 approved a one-year special-use permit allowing a resident at 1813 Milessworth Lane to keep up to eight hens for household use, subject to landscaping and maintenance conditions.
Applicant Christian (Chris) Lake presented a site plan, neighbor-signature packet and a written maintenance schedule. He described an 8-by-8 coop and an attached run with predator protections, sealed feed storage and a plan to install evergreen screening along adjacent property lines. Lake said the flock would be hens only (no roosters) and that the family intends to keep the operation small, for eggs and family education.
Board members reviewed public comments: some neighbors supported the plan and signed a petition, while at least one neighbor submitted a written objection. The board discussed visibility, odor, predator risk and upkeep. Officials noted the applicant had consulted nearby residents, planned screened plantings, and would use sealed feed storage and hemp bedding to limit dust and odor.
After discussion, the board approved the permit for one year with the condition that the applicant install evergreen screening along the north and east property lines (identified in the record as bordering addresses 1817 and 1856), maintain sealed feed storage and comply with normal nuisance provisions. The board treated the permit as a one-year trial for a first-time applicant, noting that ongoing complaints could be enforced through codes enforcement.
Quote from the record: Board finding language emphasized public-health and neighborhood impacts: "The health, safety, and general welfare of the town of Webster will not be adversely affected by the proposed use and its location," the board said, conditioned on the applicant's maintenance plan.
What comes next: The permit is effective immediately for a one-year period; the applicant must return to the ZBA to request an extension or face revocation if conditions are not met.
Provenance: The chicken-coop presentation and approval appear in the hearing record from the agenda introduction (SEG 2060) through the motion and vote (SEG 2556–2604).
