Linden council debates changes to animal ordinance, including backyard chicken limits

The Linden City Council on Aug. 11 discussed proposed revisions to Ordinance No. 421, which would amend Chapter 90 (Animals) to clarify rules for backyard chickens.

A resident raised concerns and shared experience keeping chickens during public comment; Director of Public Works Don Grice responded to a separate public comment about water on Rolston Road. Council then examined ordinance details including whether to set maximum numbers tied to parcel size, coop and run size standards, setback requirements, permit needs and how complaint-based enforcement would function alongside homeowners association rules.

Several councilors and staff referenced an external review and a model from Manchester. Councilors noted Manchester’s approach: six chickens for properties under one-half acre, 10 chickens for properties between one-half and one acre, and a maximum of 15 chickens for parcels larger than one acre; councilors also discussed guidance cited in the review for a coop size of roughly three square feet per chicken, and a recommended run size minimum of about 10 square feet per bird and a 50-foot setback from other residences as examples to consider. Council discussed that grandfathering existing flocks was not possible under the proposed language and that enforcement would be complaint-driven.

City Manager Ellen Glass confirmed details from the review and answered council questions about permits and zoning impacts. Councilors asked staff to bring clearer draft language and measurements back for further consideration at a future meeting; no vote on adoption of the ordinance occurred at this session.

The discussion leaves the city with open questions about specific numerical limits, permit procedures and how the ordinance would interact with private HOA rules. Council directed staff to provide additional draft language and supporting materials before a final decision.