After a four-hour discussion with more than 100 citizens in attendance, the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners has voted to indefinitely table the county’s proposed ordinance to authorize and regulate the keeping of backyard chickens in residential zones.
The basis of the ordinance relies on County Attorney Chad Young’s interpretation that current zoning regulations prohibit chickens in residential zones.
Some residents disagreed with that interpretation, and Board Chairman Larry Black requested the ordinance be tabled for further study and clarification. All but Commissioner Jeff Long voted Tuesday to table the ordinance.
Before voting on the ordinance, the board first needs to hold a meeting to determine which animals should be allowed in residential zones and clear up the definition of nondomesticated animals in the county code, Commissioner Chuck Harris said.