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Council approves first reading to ease backyard chicken rules, keeps rooster ban
Summary
Staff presented an ordinance to allow backyard chickens by right, remove building-permit and IFAS course requirements, and apply a sliding scale for allowable birds; council approved first reading 6-0 with final adoption scheduled at second reading in September.
Volusia County staff presented a zoning ordinance (2026-05) to expand backyard chicken allowances in unincorporated areas and streamline the approval process.
"This proposed ordinance allows backyard chickens by right instead of a special conditional use permit, eliminates the need for building permits, eliminates lot size requirements and eliminates the need for an IFAS course," Planning and Development Services Director Carol McFarland said. She told council staff kept rooster prohibitions and other public-health provisions in place.
Councilmembers voiced support for the measure as a way to reduce permitting burdens and expand eligibility. Vice Chair Matt Reinhart moved to approve the first reading; the motion passed 6-0. Staff said the ordinance would return for final adoption at a September meeting after the required second reading.
