‘Chicken’ ordinance clears first hurdle
There was “fowl play” at Monday evening’s meeting of the Clinton City Council as council members took action to legalize the raising of chickens in the city limits.
Mayor Scott Burton asked if any “chicken people” wanted to speak.
Delaney Davis, the “chicken crusader,” spoke in favor of chickens as she said “go chickens.”
On a more serious note, Carl McMurray told the council, “Thank you for considering this ordinance.”
The council passed on first reading Ordinance 684, which would amend the Clinton Municipal Code section on animal control. It establishes a $25 annual permit for the keeping of up to six hens, but no roosters, on a single family lot.
Requirements are outlined for a hen house and fenced enclosure, which would require a building permit to construct.
The ordinance also regulates animals in general, prohibiting the owners from allowing them to run at large or become a public nuisance.
It requires adequate pens, food, water, shelter and ventilation.
Animal feed is required to be kept in a rat-proof and fly-tight container.
In addition, there is a specific section on dogs and cats that requires rabies vaccination, registration and the wearing of tags.
Dogs and cats are not permitted to run at large, and vicious dogs and cats must be securely enclosed.
The ordinance passed on a 5-1 vote. Councilman David Queener voted “no.” Councilman Jim McBride was absent.
The council also passed on second and final reading another chicken measure, Ordinance 683, modifying the zoning codes to include chickens.
It will permit the noncommercial raising of chickens on R1 low density and R2 medium density residential lots of three acres or less.
It also amends front and back setbacks of residences from lot lines on R2 medium density lots. The front setback is amended from 30 feet to 20 feet. The rear setback is amended from 25 feet to 15 feet.
In addition, the ordinance regulates conditions and sets fees for temporary use permits for such things as outdoor displays, sales of seasonal food or merchandise, and special civic events.
The council unanimously passed on first reading Ordinance 685. It defines junked vehicles and vehicles that are inoperable, obsolete, in a state of disrepair or abandoned. This definition includes motorized and non-motorized vehicles including trailers and boats. Any vehicle in the conditions described above within the city shall be declared a public nuisance.
If a vehicle that has been deemed a public nuisance is found on private property, the owner will have 10 days to correct the problem or remove the vehicle; or 72 hours if on public property.