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Planning commission recommends allowing backyard chickens with annual license and inspections
Summary
After extensive public comment, the Middletown Township Planning Commission recommended amending the zoning code to allow backyard chickens in specified residential zones, conditioned on an annual licensing and inspection program and addressing Bucks County planning comments.
The Middletown Township Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning‑code amendment that would allow residents to keep and raise chickens in RA‑ and R‑zoned residential districts, provided they obtain an annual license and pass inspections.
Jim Ennis, director of building and zoning, summarized a May 28 memo outlining the proposed rules: a 5,000‑square‑foot minimum lot size, a cap of four chickens (with an additional chicken allowed per extra 5,000 square feet), prohibition of roosters, limits on coop and run size and placement, and sanitary measures for feed, waste and pest control. “There’s a lot of sanitary requirements,” Ennis said, describing noise, odor and pest provisions and noting the ordinance would prohibit commercial sales of eggs or birds from a residence.
Commissioners pressed on enforcement and on how to handle existing, out‑of‑compliance owners. Commissioner Jacob (speaker 14) urged a grace period for current owners and suggested leaving specific licensing terms to staff; Commissioner Pete (speaker 3) said he would support the change only if licensing and inspections were required. The commission added a clear condition: any recommendation must be tied to an annual licensing and inspection program to be developed by township staff.
Public comment was extensive and mixed. Supporters described educational and sustainability benefits: “They teach children how to take care of something else,” said a resident who identified himself as Gerald Nate Berkowski (speaker 20). Others warned of enforcement burdens and pest risks; Bill Sagan (speaker 19) said a neighbor’s coop had led to a rodent problem that spread through the neighborhood. Several commenters urged strict rules and inspections rather than a blanket prohibition.
The commission made a motion to recommend the zoning amendment with the stated conditions, including that Bucks County Planning Commission comments be addressed and that staff draft the licensing and inspection program. The motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition; the recommendation now goes to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.
