Politics & Government
Lakewood Chicken Legislation Crosses the Road, City Council Approves Ordinance for Backyard Hens
Lakewood city council passes ordinance to allow as many as 50 residents to keep chickens in their backyards.
A pilot program for raising backyard hens has been running smoothly in Lakewood for 18 months and based on the success of the pilot, city council voted to expand the program at Monday's meeting, Cleveland.com reports.
The new ordinance has a few changes - the program will now allow a total of 50 permits to be issued over several years. Coops will be subject to annual inspections and specific construction, cleanliness and placement standards must be met. No roosters will be allowed and no more than six hens per home.
Residents that spoke at Monday's council meeting, spoke favorably of the ordinance saying that the benefits of the backyard hen program include educating children, health benefits from fresh eggs and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle.
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Check Cleveland.com for more details and follow Cleveland.com reporter, Bruce Geiselman on Twitter.
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