Residents cry 'fowl' over changes proposed for city's chicken ordinance

Changes to the ordinances would require that all chickens be kept within a fenced area or enclosed structure and not allowed to move freely within a yard. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester City Council will hold a public hearing on changes to the ordinance governing the raising of chickens on Tuesday, including a new provision that would prohibit the selling of eggs and home slaughtering of fowl for personal consumption.
Other changes to the ordinances would require that all chickens be kept within a fenced area or enclosed structure and not allowed to move freely within a yard.
The ordinance put forward recently was met with widespread skepticism by several residents who spoke during a City Council workshop on Dec. 17.
Rochester resident Katie Anderson said her neighbors like to watch her chickens strutting around her yard and she often gives them eggs when she has extra.
She said she doesn't charge them for the eggs, but if they want to give her some money, she accepts it.
"I've never had any issues with neighbors, and I've had chickens for two years," she said.
State rep Tom Kaczynski, who runs a chicken business, said there was no need for a new amendment to the ordinance, because the city already has health regulations that cover any concerns.

Resident Tiffany Monahan added that rather than putting up barriers to such industry, the city should be encouraging residents to become more self-sufficient, adding that during the Covid pandemic she provided eggs for neighbors when eggs were unavailable at supermarkets.
"They should be encouraging community-based agriculture," she said.
Another resident said she resented the fact that the city wanted to prohibit the selling of eggs, adding that her son helps take care of their chickens, and in exchange, they allow him to sell eggs and keep the proceeds.
"He's learning about running a business, and that's a good thing," she said.
It should be noted that no one came forward to speak in favor of the changes to the chicken ordinance.
The public hearing begins at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers inside City Hall.