Revisiting backyard chickens, property code enforcement

See the July 1 City Council minutes here

Backyard chickens

During their 3:30 p.m. session, Council members discussed new proposed urban chicken rules — right now, only agricultural zones allow chickens. The draft ordinance lets residents keep up to eight hens if they live in a residential zone with a backyard. Multifamily complexes without yards could have 10 hens in a common area.

Keeping roosters and other fowl, hatching chicks, and selling chicken products in a residential zone would remain banned. Per the draft, the Council members would reassess the ordinance after a one-year trial period. Council placed the ordinance on the July 22 meeting agenda for a first vote.

Multiple colleagues questioned the legislation’s sponsor, Councilman Chip Henderson, District 1, on the city’s ability to enforce a chicken code. Seth Watson, director of animal services at McKamey Animal Center, said most fowl-related complaints come from roosters crowing or the lack of an enclosure, and the proposal addresses both concerns.

While he expects the ordinance would increase McKamey’s fowl caseload, Watson said nearly all residents who receive a warning or a citation from McKamey regarding at-home chickens fix the issue ahead of their city court date.

“I anticipate that when we get complaints, we will be educating the public about the requirements for fowl and setting a re-check date for McKamey to come back out to visit,” Watson told Council.

Councilwoman Jenny Hill, District 2, suggested violations of the chicken ordinance should be handled only by the city’s administrative hearing officer, who can levy steeper fines than city court.

Property code enforcement

Council approved switching oversight of local property maintenance laws from the economic and community development department to public works.

Property codes regulate building interiors and exteriors, such as plumbing, elevators, walls and roofs, overgrowth, pools, and more.

Bridge contract

A $590,000 contract for bridge repair on Hickory Valley Road in Tyner was approved.

Attend this week’s meeting

When: Tuesday, July 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: City Council Building, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or: Watch the meeting live on YouTube @chattanoogacitycouncil8743

Chattanooga City Council is open to the public.

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Contact William at william@chattamatters.com