County Looks at Lowering Acreage Requirements for Chickenkeeping

Dorchester County Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would allow those on one-sixth of an acre to keep chickens Monday during regular meeting of council in St. George.

The new ordinance would repeal a 2010 ordinance that limited chicken-keeping to lots larger than an acre. The new and the existing ordinance still limits these smaller lots to hens, which are typically less noisy than roosters. 

Councilman Bill Hearn told Patch that while many subdivision bylaws would prevent having hens in neighborhoods, this new ordinance would allow rural residents on small lots the opportunity to keep chickens. 

Second and third reading, and a public hearing are expected during the November meetings.