LETTER: Backyard Chickens Law is Reasonable, Positive

After —talking/emailing with City Council members, attending meetings, chatting with neighbors, gathering petition signatures, etc.—we now have a new law allowing backyard chickens in . In early January, the city will begin issuing permits.

Our community group's initial goals included raising the number of chickens from three (per a former temporary permit) to 10 and removing a privacy fence requirement (which would have made it financially impossible for many families to have chickens). We also went into this with the goal of ensuring that any other provisions in the law would be fair and reasonable, while requiring owners to raise chickens in a responsible and neighborly manner.

The outcome is (a reasonable compromise) and no privacy fence requirement (as was requested). There are setback rules on where the coops and pens can be built, but with signed agreements by affected neighbors the setbacks can be encroached upon. Those were the major issues of concern. The new law includes many other provisions which help ensure that chicken raising in our city will be a positive experience for both the chicken owners and their neighbors.

Adopting sustainable living practices continues to be vital locally and around the world—and this week we are proud that the City of Richmond Heights has shown we are up to the challenge.

Linda Lieb is a board member with the and a member of its sustainability committee.