Submitted by: Danny Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
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Backyard Chicken Act
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending Chapter 52 of the Hyattsville Charter and Code to amend section §52-10 by striking the inclusion of “domestic fowl” and “poultry and game birds” from the list of prohibited animals. Roosters will remain on the list of prohibited animals in the Code.
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Summary Background:
This modification will eliminate the City prohibition on raising chickens in Hyattsville. Chicken raising is an enjoyable recreational activity that provides a healthy food source, high-quality fertilizer, fosters community building, and, with proper regulations, does not result in unsanitary or noisy conditions. Many jurisdictions allow responsible chicken raising, including our neighbors in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery Counties, and nearby municipalities like Annapolis, Baltimore, and Rockville. NOTE: The Prince George's County Ordinance that restricts raising chickens, Section 27-441, will remain in effect, so raising chickens in Hyattsville will remain prohibited by County Ordinance.
Next Steps:
The City Attorney and Director of Community and Economic Development will draft the ordinance for discussion and action by the Mayor and Council. If the motion passes, Hyattsville will write a letter to the Prince George’s County Council, informing them of the change to our municipal code, and requesting that Section 27-441 be modified to allow for responsible chicken raising within Prince George’s County. The City should tie this request to the recent County Code change to support urban farming within Prince George’s County.
An initial discussion was held on January 21, 2020, with follow up Council discussion on March 2, 2020.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
City Administrator Comments:
The Community & Economic Development staff met with Councilman Schaible to discuss the intent of the motion. The elimination of the “domestic fowl” and “poultry and game birds” language will result in the City Code Compliance staff no longer enforcing this as a City violation. Incidents may still be referred to Prince George's County Department of Permits, Licensing and Inspections (DPIE) and it would be incumbent upon Prince George's County to enforce any “domestic fowl”, and “poultry and game birds' violations of County Code if the County does not agree to a modification.
Community Engagement:
The draft ordinance will be scheduled for Council discussion/action at a future Council Meeting.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Pending