With Sanford’s urban landscape, it’s easy to see why some residents would not want to keep their own chickens, but for those who do, a new ordinance would create a legal avenue for them to do so. It’s the logical next step for a city that already has people keeping chickens without permission to ensure they are doing so safely, and to give city staff clear rules to enforce when they encounter issues with people keeping the fowl as a food source.
After Councilor Fred Smith received complaints from constituents who said they got letters from the city’s codes department, threatening fines for keeping chickens illegally, he said he decided to introduce an ordinance that would allow chickens to be raised in all areas of the city, with a permit.
Currently, chickens are allowed only in rural residential and residential mixed use zones. If the proposal is approved, each permit holder could have up to six female chickens ”“ no roosters would be allowed ”“ and hen houses and pens would be required. Permit holders couldn’t sell eggs or baby chicks, and chicken slaughter would be prohibited. People with chickens would also be required to properly dispose of manure, among other regulations. Permits would cost $25 annually.
It’s good to see the City of Sanford responding to constituent concerns; in addition to the complaints Smith received, the codes office reported inquiries as well.
In addition to offering the opportunity for more people to acquire their own chickens, those who already have them ”“ legally or not ”“ will all be required to follow the same rules, and the codes office will have standards to enforce when conducting inspections and issuing permits. Under the proposed ordinance, there are penalties of up to $100 a day for violations, and the city can have chickens removed if they pose a health risk.
The “buy local” movement has spread to include “growing local” as well, and it’s likely more and more people will want to grow their own foods ”“ whether it’s gardening, keeping livestock or both. It’s important that people do it safely, while also respecting their neighbors. That is why it’s good that roosters will not be allowed ”“ so no one will have to worry about being startled awake by crowing in the early morning hours.
Families or individuals who choose to keep chickens will be able to enjoy fresh eggs right from their backyard, which can save them money and give them peace of mind about their food source.
Despite concerns raised by a few councilors earlier this week, there were no such issues raised by residents at the public hearing, so we hope councilors will give residents the green light to own chickens as long as they can follow the rules set forth by the city.
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