This proposed ordinance would be the first one in the city's history to specifically allow hens and chicks to be kept in backyards in the city. There has been an increasing interest in home raised eggs as more people want natural products.
The city Planning Department looked at similar ordinances in Seattle, Everett, Blaine, Mill Creek, Aberdeen, Woodinville, Bellingham, Burlington and Mount Vernon.
The draft ordinance would owners of single family homes and duplexes to have from 2 to 6 hens in most locations in the city, withy as many as 12 for larger lots and in specific zoning. A property could have one hen per 1,500 square feet.
The hens would need to be keeps in enclosed and a predator-proof fence, pen or coop. Chicken coops wouldn't be allowed in front yards or side yards that front city streets.
The Council's public hearing is set for June 7.
Council to tackle backyard hens
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