Politics & Government
Yard Too Small for Chickens? Council Debates New Rules
A bill sponsored by council member Chris Trumbauer would allow homes with smaller lots to raise chickens.
In west Anne Arundel County, there's a growing interest in buying local, and many families have considered raising chickens to get fresh eggs.
There's one big problem: many residents have found that their yards are considered too small. The county council is looking to address that problem by loosening restrictions on who can have chickens.
Council member Chris Trumbauer (D-District 6) said he has investigated what other municipalities have done over the years, and hopes to give owners of smaller lots a little slack in raising chickens.
"In my opinion, our code is pretty out of date, and I wanted to incrementally address that," Trumbauer said.
Trumbauer's bill (79-13) is co-sponsored by Councilman Dick Ladd (R-5th District). It allows property owners of quarter-acre lots to own up to four chickens, and half-acre properties up to eight chickens.
Raising chickens has proven popular in the Gambrills area, where the Gambrills General Store routinely sells out of its annual supply. The store on Annapolis Road recently held classes on how to care for chickens and benefit from raising them at home.
To safeguard the chickens interfering with neighbors, there are also setback requirements, and a ban on roosters to combat early morning crowing. Local bylaws from neighborhood and community associations would supersede the bill, in case of stricter requirements in certain areas, Trumbauer said.
The bill also establishes a licensing system, which requires a $30 fee of prospective chicken raisers.
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Trumbauer said the license isn't a revenue generator, but a chance for the county to see just how many chicken owners there are in the county.
"It's also an opportunity to provide information and education for folks interested in keeping chickens," the councilman said. "I foresee people coming in to get their license, and they'll get a pamphlet with hints on raising chickens. It is a responsibility and there's an obligation there."
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The City of Annapolis spent months digging through legislation before it was approved earlier this year. Trumbauer said he's not sure what kind of opposition his bill will receive, but believes it's time for an open debate on the issue.
A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Arundel Center in Annapolis.
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