Scribe: Nicholas Detweiler-Stoddard Convener: Brian Martin Burkholder, Tom Benevento, Nicholas Detweiler-Stoddard Location: Earth and Tea Cafe Time: 1:30
Attendees: MuAwia De’mes, Kai Degner, Eldon Kurtz, Nancy Hendren, Justin Pruit, Tom Benevento, Nicholas Detweiler-Stoddard, Peter Dula, Ilsa Ackerman, Simon Dula, Lucen, Sherri, Cassandra, Nate, Sarah, Nik, Mary
[Note: Session largely informational; discussed various understanding of chicken issue rather than being action, recommendation oriented]
Reviewed origin of Harrisonburg Backyard Chicken Project (HBCP):
-Formed late fall 2008 when handful of citizens received eviction notices for hens
-Group researched and formulated possible pro-chicken regulations to ask city to consider
-Group took request to city council in spring. City planning commission suggested any ordinance fall under animal control rather than zoning (largely so that could be easily repealed if did not work out and so that animal control officer could handle enforcement)
-City council recently asked city attorney and staff to formulate sample proposal; will then receive first reading at council, opportunity will be given for public comment
Summarized regulatory specifics suggested by HBCP:
-6 chickens max.
-no roosters
-registration and nominal fee for chicken owners, education materials disseminated at time of registration
-require chickens to be enclosed if yard not fenced/wings not clipped (not allowed to run-at-large), suggest movable coops versus stationary
-allow 1 additional chicken allowed for every 1,000(?) sq ft of property space above a set minimum
Reviewed important aspects to consider in a successful ordinance:
-It recognizes the importance of the ordinance being clearly stated and easily accessible to the public, which will help ensure compliance and reduce violations.
-It satisfies the needs of most stakeholder groups and acknowledges that some stakeholders on both sides of the issue will be unwilling to compromise.
-It does not discriminate against certain populations, such as those of lower incomes who can not afford high permitting fees, or those with smaller property sizes.
-It allows for flexibility and provides choice, such as giving chicken keepers the right to choose their own coop design and building materials.
-It allows for citizen input and participation in the ordinance forming process to assure that the ordinance fits the needs of, and is supported by the community.
-It recognizes the role chickens can play in developing a more sustainable urban environment.
Reviewed and discussed primary concerns and objections given thus far regarding possibility of backyard chicken allowance:
-Increased cost to city (in animal control enforcement)
-Biosecurity risk (to commercial poultry, to humans)
-Property value loss because of unsightly coops, messy chickens
-Nuisance complaints (odor, noise, running at-large, pests)
-Agricultural animals have no place in city, belong in country only
-Concern that allowing chickens will set precedent for allowing others ag. animals (goats, pigs, cows, bees, etc)
-Problematic waste disposal (how much produced? what to do with? will it contaminate watershed or be a health hazard?)
Open discussion regarding participant concerns and ideas:
–Outlined reasons for keeping of urban chickens: one small element of sustainable living, food production.
–**Movement to keep chickens is thriving national movement, but Harrisonburg in unique situation with proximity to large poultry producing counties. USDA Vet and VA state Vet sent letters of concern about backyard chicken possibility because of perceived disease threat to multimillion dollar local poultry industry**
–Chicken industry does contribute largely to local economy, is a big lobbying factor in decision
–While many in city support (as shown by great number showing up to council meetings) also many strongly opposed.
–Clarified amount of waste produced: 3-4 hens equivalent to large dog, additionally waste is safe to use on gardens, compost, yard etc (pet waste is not). Avian excrement has higher water content, breaks down much quicker than mammals, can be raked up and thrown on compost if needed. Limit of 6 hens keeps waste, smell minimal
–was noted that fertilizer from a few chickens would be much safer for watershed than chemical fertilizers used on lawns by many
–participant suggested regulating coop style so as to ensure aesthetic appeal
–participant expressed concern that even if human avian flu originates from commercial facilities, simply having more people with small flocks increases chance of human to chicken contact (noted that areas of high incidence of human H5N1 are in Asia where lots of backyard flocks)
–participant recently in Portland, OR where 4 chickens allowed, lots have them, most people exceed 4 but is not enforced. Noted that the chickens are hardly noticed, not a nuisance.
–Portland’s registration process requires owner to notify neighbors in certain radius; question raised “”what do you do if one objects? (seeking to simply notify neighbors of intention or seeking to have full approval first?)
–Permit/Registration process allows “”point of contact”" opportunity that can improve proper keeping of hens, compliance with codes. Those applying for chickens can be given educational material, etc
–Mayor noted that fee suggested by HBCP too low, but raising too high will discourage ownership and negate cost-effectiveness of hens. Noted that fees will likely not be able to be high enough to offset administration and enforcement costs.
–Mayor noted that people evaluate city chickens through many different value sets; which values should council prioritize and base decision on?
–If chickens would be allowed, may encourage others to ask for allowance of other animals, but city council would look at each one as long and hard as have looked at chickens. Suggested that council not vote against chickens simply b/c of possibilities of more groups asking for more animals.
–discussed understanding of chickens as “”agricultural.”" Those in support not likely to define as such because not for commercial scale production. Raised for own food source, not profit–much like raising own food in garden is not “”agricultural”"
Mayor asked for informal poll in favor, opposed, uncertain; 15 Participants split roughly evenly. Given opportunity to sign petition in favor if desired.
Participants encouraged to continue providing input on concerns and ideas for most responsible, effective regulations for chickens. HBCP will host public opportunity for further discussion of this nature at public library, Tuesday June 2 7-9pm
