Submitted by: Danny Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Backyard Chicken Act
end
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.
end
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 ...
Click here for full text