An amendment regulating backyard hens in the residential zone was passed by the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners, a decision that brought pledges to unseat the current board from the capacity crowd of Catoosa County chicken advocates.
Tuesday night’s decision came after about a year of controversy over the legality of backyard chickens, with an amendment to the county’s code that regulates the number of hens allowed in the residential zone, setbacks from property lines for chicken coops, standards of care for the birds and other requirements.
Board Chairman Larry Black said in a statement after the meeting that the amendment came after months of analysis and consideration by the board members and county staff and was an effort to strike a fair balance between county residents.
“We appreciate the feedback we received from our neighbors on both sides of the issue and truly understand the passion for sustainable living,” he said. “By approving these changes … we are satisfying the wishes of people in residential zones to have their own supply of fresh eggs while also respecting the wishes of others who value sanitary and orderly conditions next to their property.”
The amendment passed 3-1. Voting yes were Commissioners Black, Jeff Long and Vanita Hullander. Commissioner Charlie Stephens voted no, while Commissioner Chuck Harris was absent due to a family illness.