Planning commission backs zoning change to allow backyard hens and raises allowed pigeons/doves to 25

The Orono City Planning Commission on June 16 recommended a zoning text amendment that would allow domesticated poultry on residential lots of at least 0.5 acre, clarify animal-unit calculations for nonstandard species, and keep farm animals subject to conditional use permits on larger properties.

Planning staff member Mr. Carney told the commission the draft would define domesticated poultry more narrowly—calling out hens, pigeons and doves—and add a sentence using a weight-based animal-unit calculation (weight divided by 1,000) to cover species not explicitly listed. "Staff would recommend approval of the amendment as drafted," Carney said, while noting commissioners could ask staff to return with revisions or additional public outreach.

Commissioners debated several specifics. Some members supported using the state-referenced weight calculation to capture animals not listed in the city code, and others urged that the ordinance explicitly include alpacas alongside llamas in animal-unit tables. Several commissioners pushed to allow more pigeons and doves than the five proposed for small lots, citing prior conditional-use approvals that permitted larger flocks. An entered public comment from Katie Dunham (read by staff) urged Orono to join neighboring cities that permit backyard chickens: "Our family is hoping that Orono will join those thriving communities in giving this option to their residents," the letter said.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve the text amendment as drafted with one specific change: the permitted number of doves and pigeons on smaller residential lots was increased from 5 to 25. The motion to approve with that modification was made by Commissioner Ressler and seconded by Commissioner Wilson; the action carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Commissioners also discussed whether the city should add explicit prohibitions for captive cervids (deer/elk) given state permitting through the Board of Animal Health; the commission elected not to add a citywide prohibition at this time but left open the option to revisit the code following further research. The matter will proceed to the city council for final action.