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Linden council delays vote on proposed chicken ordinance amid resident concerns
Summary
The Linden City Council postponed action on Ordinance No. 421, which would amend Chapter 90 (Animals) to change rules on backyard chickens, after residents raised questions about lot-size thresholds, permit language and confinement standards; the postponement passed 6-0 and staff were asked to return revised wording in August.
Mayor Elizabeth Armstrong presided over the Linden City Council's July 28 meeting, where councilors debated proposed revisions to Chapter 90 (Animals) that would change how the city regulates backyard chickens. City Manager Ellen Glass reviewed the draft ordinance and fielded questions about specific language and how surrounding communities regulate poultry.
Several members of the public spoke during the comment period and raised concerns about lot-size limits, the number of birds that would be allowed, and how permits would be administered. One resident said she had a prior application denied and asked for clearer rules about ducks and chickens, including permitted numbers based on lot size and whether eggs could be used for household consumption.
Councilors discussed multiple drafting options during the meeting, citing examples such as a limit of three chickens per acre, a 10-square-foot open-space guideline per bird, and whether to adjust standards so residents with larger lots are not penalized. Police Chief Scott Sutter noted one prior instance in which a resident had to remove chickens under the current ordinance, underscoring enforcement concerns that councilors said should be clarified.
Councilor Tom Hicks moved to postpone consideration of Ordinance No. 421 to the August meeting so staff can refine language and incorporate additional research; Councilor Pam Howd seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote of 6-0 (Denise Miller absent). No ordinances were adopted at the July meeting; staff were directed to return proposed revised wording and relevant community comparisons at the August work session.
The postponement leaves in place the current Chapter 90 rules until the council next considers the amendment. The council indicated it seeks clearer lot-size thresholds, explicit confinement definitions (including discussion of cubic-foot measures), and a permit process that balances neighbor complaints and residents' interest in raising a small number of birds.
