Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3486 amending Chapter 18 of Ordinances providing regulations and standards for keeping Backyard Chickens; Providing for the Prohibition of Roosters; Amending Appendix A "Fee Schedule" to Provide for Application Fees; and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Currently, backyard chickens are prohibited by ordinance in Farmers Branch. In contrast, backyard chickens are allowed by ordinance in most cities in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Residents of Farmers Branch have expressed an interest in having backyard chickens. The reasoning behind the desire include control over a portion of their food source, i.e. eggs, education opportunity for their children, pets, and desire for sustainable living.
In order to provide educational opportunities regarding this issue, there was a city-provided tour offered on July 29, 2017 to see some homes and a school with backyard chickens. On November 28, 2017 City Council received a presentation on backyard chickens as well as a draft ordinance for discussion. The initial draft ordinance prohibited roosters, required a permit, required all chickens to be registered and banded, and established setback requirements.
DISCUSSION:
Based on the discussion, the ordinance was revised and is presented to City Council for consideration. The revised ordinance was reviewed by the Animal Services Advisory Committee during the December 2017 meeting. Some of the revisions are the increased minimum coop standards, removal of the registration requirement, an increase in the minimum number of hens from two to three, a reduction in the setback requirements, and the required submission of a site plan, floor plan, and elevation along with the permit application. The ordinance still prohibits roosters, the slaughtering of decease hens in public view, and the sale of chicken byproducts, including eggs.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends adopting Ordinance No. 3486 amending Chapter 18 "Anim...
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