The animal control guy made some quip about how if it were allowed then "all the Mexicans" would have hens all over the place. Which is racist BS. And even if it were true, if we had acceptable guidelines, then those would have to be followed.
Help?
I have heard the same thing multiple times. I've told this story on another thread a year or two ago but its worth repeating. After a tornado went through my area, a work crew cutting up fallen tree came to my door asking if we needed anything cut down. The man saw that i had a few chickens in my front yard. When i opened to door he was shocked seeing i was Caucasian and said "You live here with chickens? Why are you living like a mexican?". I strongly suspect the racist stereotype of all hispanics coming into the country with goats and chickens is what prompted many of the laws prohibiting chickens.
I would find out what political ideology your local politicians adhere to. If they are either strongly liberal or strongly conservative, it could work in your favor if you use the right buzzword and appeal to their zeal. I think it would be harder if they were a moderate.
If liberal the buzzwords are: Sustainable, low carbon footprint, and animal welfare. Example: "Having a few hens in the backyard will help our community reduce its carbon footprint, become more environmentally sustainable, and ease the suffering of abused chickens in inhumane factory farms"
If conservative the buzzwords are: Self reliance, work, depending on government. Example: "Allowing the hard working people of our community to keep a few hens will reduce our reliance on governmental food assistance, and help encourage self reliance for our food security."
Also it might help to point out how chickens are treated in battery farms. Here's a video from mercy for animals. Warning its graphic
I'll be crossing my fingers for you too now 
