chjcken laws in Salem Or

[rollingrockhound]

I called the city hall and was told that I could not keep chickens in our area because they are considered livestock, Does anybody have a suggestion on where to start or who to talk to to get the law changed? Any input would be helpful. Thank you

 

[scottws]

I sent my councilman the following email:

Greetings Council Member Jones,

In Maple Heights Code Part Six, chapter 618.02 (a) residents are prohibited from owning certain animals within city limits. "No person shall keep any horse, mule, bovine, sheep, goat, swine, chicken, goose, pigeon, duck or other fowl in the City. However, a maximum of two horses shall be permitted on a minimum two-acre parcel, with not more than one horse per acre."

The majority of this section of our code is very reasonable and common sense. With our generally modest sized lots, who wants to deal with pigs and cows next door?

On the other hand, there is a change I would like to see in this section. I would like chickens to be removed from the list of prohibited animals. Many news stories report that larger cities all over the country allow residents to raise chickens.

As the economy has hit hard times with no sign of getting better, raising chickens is a logical extension of the backyard garden. They produce healthy food at a lower cost, reduce environmental impact of industrial chicken products, control insects and aid in creating compost by consuming food scraps.

According to the UPI news wire, New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle all permit urban chickens.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/urban-chickens-gaining-favor/story.aspx?guid={28C87822-91A5-4982-9A78-B683173C18A8}&dist=msr_2

Here are a couple other stories about backyard chicken raising.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_605366.html
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090105/NEWS01/901050327/1002/CUSTOMERSERVICE02

The bottom line is that a few chickens kept by our neighbors can help their budgets, their health, and the environment. In these uncertain times, it would be a good thing to allow. Therefore I am asking you if you would initiate the necessary change in the city code to allow keeping of chickens in the city.

Thank you for your time and work on my behalf,
sig.

HTH
Scott

 

[bock to the future]

There is a group called CITY (Chickens In The Yard) that is presently working on changing the chicken ordinances in Salem, Oregon. Are you interested in joining our cause?

 

[carousel]

I have 2 friends in Salem that are keeping chickens.
they give neighbors eggs and all has been well. She has had hers 2 yrs and currently has 11 chickens.
how do I find out more about CITY?

 

[bock to the future]

Glad your friends have not had any trouble "with the law".

We are presently collecting signatures and letters of support from various groups and individuals, gearing up for a presentation to the city council. E-mail me and I will get more information to you.