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Newton County discusses backyard chickens, acreage thresholds and enforcement
Summary
Staff and commissioners debated proposed changes to rules for chickens and other small livestock, including enclosure/setback requirements, acreage thresholds (examples discussed: two acres may allow six hens; larger acreages permit more), and a ban on roosters in smaller lots.
Staff presented modifications to livestock and poultry rules that separate backyard chickens from larger livestock classifications and specify enclosure and setback requirements. Under the draft, very small parcels shown in an example would not be able to meet a 75-foot setback requirement; staff proposed acreage bands to determine allowable numbers of hens and access to enclosures.
Commissioners asked for outreach to residents who keep chickens and for clearer public guidance. One commissioner noted a practical threshold: on 2-acre lots a smaller limit (discussed as six hens) is being proposed, while 3-acre and larger lots could allow more. Staff emphasized that roosters would not be permitted in the smaller-acreage categories and that enforcement and public education would be necessary to reduce complaints.
