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Residents urge council to allow backyard hens; supporters detail proposed ordinance and petitions
Summary
Multiple public commentators asked the council to allow backyard hens in Augusta, citing food independence, environmental benefits and local examples; proponents described a draft ordinance permitting up to eight hens on owner-occupied single-family lots (no roosters) and reported petition signatures were gathered.
Several residents addressed the council during public comment to ask that Augusta allow backyard hens.
"Owner occupied single family homes with 8 hens depending on the layout and size, no roosters, backyard only, sanitary coop standards, compliant based enforcement," Brianna White told the council while outlining the draft ordinance she supports. White said comparable Kansas communities allow backyard hens (she cited Andover, Rose Hill, Wichita and Douglas) and said she believed petition signatures meeting the required threshold had been collected.
Kimberly Giet described personal reasons for keeping hens, noted a forthcoming court appearance over her backyard flock and argued that backyard hens help reduce food waste and teach responsibility. A child who spoke during the same segment urged harmony between those who want and do not want chickens.
Supporters asked the council to consider either council action or a citywide vote; staff did not schedule a hearing or vote on an ordinance at this meeting. No formal policy change was made during the meeting; the comments were recorded for council consideration of any future ordinance action.
