Board debates new chicken and livestock rules in UDO draft

Planning staff told the board the draft would separate chickens from other livestock and impose enclosure and setback requirements tied to lot size. Under the proposal discussed, smaller lots (less than about 2 acres) would face tighter limits; examples in the presentation showed 1.75–2-acre thresholds and, for larger holdings (3–14+ acres), higher allowances for flock size and one rooster on larger acreage.

Several commissioners and staff debated enforcement and public understanding. One commissioner warned that assigning acreage numbers "don't compute to the general public" and urged messaging so residents know current rules. Staff said coops would not be allowed in front yards under the accessory-structure rules and that environmental-health inspection is required for convenience-store food service; for private residential chickens the accessory-structure standards will set location and setback rules.