City Council Study Session Summary 2009 05 12

Home Browse Search

City Council Study Session Summary May 12, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Chickens Staff conducted a survey of jurisdictions and areas in the front range. The current municipal code allows residents to keep up to three ducks, turkeys, or geese if zoned for such use. Chickens are currently not stated in the municipal code. Discussion centered on the protection of chickens from predators. Ideas suggested included limiting size of pens or square footage per chicken, the guidelines of set-back requirements, and properly fencing chickens. A concern about the noise of roosters was raised. Some jurisdictions require criteria to include maintaining sanitary chicken pens. Committee members asked what the methods are to keep down the odor of chicken coops. Public comments included information on "tractor" methods for moving around chickens - which is good for gardens and lawns. Chickens kept in once place are kept in coops. Chicken manure can be placed in composting piles. A concern is that some yards do not have a large set back that would allow them to raise chickens. Public present discussed the positive aspect of raising chickens is to provide eggs for a family. Typically a minimum of four hens are needed to provide for a single family. Some city ordinances require a secure place or safety enclosures to keep chickens from predators. Set backs for any ancillary structure is currently 10 feet from the back and 5 feet from the sides. Public comments: A concern expressed was that chicken coops attract natural predators and will bring coyotes and raccoons into the area. This circumstance could increase the possibility of wild animals in the area becoming a problem for residents with small pets, children, and trash bins kept outside. Further research into the possibility of the increase in wild animals was suggested. Chicken droppings would be a problem if near a neighbor's yard that does not want the chickens. Longmont has thoroughly researched the keeping of chickens; requirements are restrictive and limit the number of chickens to four. If wild animals can be kept from chickens, then predators will not return. A request for guidelines and education about the adequate keeping of chickens was voiced. Comments by staff: There is a question of how many animals would be allowed per property. Not necessarily the type, rather limiting the total number of animals per lot. The City may have to address the entire issue of animal husbandry in a residential area. A requirement may be needed to keep chickens and coops so many feet from all property lines as not to impose what one neighbor wants over another. A council member commented on the preference for a set-back requirement.