Beachwood Planning and Zoning Commission Says NO to Chickens

Beachwood city code mandates that in order to keep chickens, a property needs to be at least 1.1 acres and the chicken coop must be at least 200 feet from a neighboring residence. Lindsey Mayerfield recently appeared before the city's Planning & Zoning Commission seeking a variance to keep her two chickens that she says are family pets, reports Cleveland.com.

Unfortunately, Lindsey Mayerfeld's property does not meet those requirements according to Building Commissioner William Griswold.

"Probably 95 percent of the properties in the city couldn't comply," City Planner George Smerigan said at the recent meeting.

A change to the code regarding keeping chickens was proposed in January and city council voted it down. The proposed change would have allowed up to four chickens provided that the coop be a minimum of 20 feet from a neighboring home.

Mayerfeld's request for a variance was rejected by the commission.

"They really are our family pets," Mayerfeld said. "They'd probably be shipped off to a farm (if she's not allowed to keep the chickens)."

Mayerfield then offered a text amendment which will be sent to city council. The amendment asks that council change the language of the amendment so that chickens will be allowed on properties of 20,000 square feet.

Council will consider the request at an upcoming meeting.

The City of Lakewood recently expanded a chicken pilot program and now allows up to 50 residents to keep chickens in their backyards.