By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — Move over, Rover. Henny the chicken may be sharing space in the backyard.
Township Council has introduced an ordinance that would allow homeowners to keep chickens in the backyard, in an acknowledgment of their growing popularity.
The proposed ordinance establishes an opportunity for people to get a permit to house chickens on their property, Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun said. It sets minimum lot sizes, chicken coop sizes and side yard and rear yard setbacks. Roosters are banned.
The number of chickens that can be kept in the back yard depends on the size of the lot. The minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet, and it allows the property owner to raise one or two chickens. To raise three chickens, the minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet.
Larger lots can accommodate more chickens — four chickens on a 15,000-square-foot lot, and five chickens on a 30,000-square-foot lot. The maximum is six chickens, and the lot must be at least 40,000 square feet, according to the ordinance.
Homeowners who are contemplating raising chickens must obtain a permit from the township zoning officer. If the house is a rental property, the tenant must obtain permission from the landlord.
Chickens must have access to a chicken coop, which has to be fully enclosed and kept clean. A chicken run is permitted, and must be at least 100 square feet but not more than 400 square feet. The chicken coop must be set back at least 10 feet from the property line or house, and 30 feet from a house on an adjacent lot.
Township Councilwoman Cathleen Lewis said she asked for the ordinance in response to calls from residents. Farmers have lots of chickens, “but that’s not what people (non-farmers) are doing. They raise chickens to feed their families and to control mosquitoes (because they eat bugs),” she said.
The existing zoning ordinance allows for chickens, but it is geared toward farmers who are engaged in agriculture. The minimum lot size is 5 acres. Some non-farmers have chickens and did not ask permission, Ms. Lewis said, adding that the proposed ordinance sets minimum standards so it does not become an issue.
