We won!

[WriterofWords]

You didn't get a flat out no so that sounds good.

 

[redriver]

It wasn't a flat out no, and I got the feeling that it will eventually pass. I just don't want it to turn into a long drawn out process that takes months and months only to end up right back where we were today. A lot of time was spent coming up with a proposed code change that addresses most of the concerns that were brought up.

 

[Momoflilgs]

A total of not more than six hens may be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary pen or structure, no part of which shall be located less than thirty feet from any residence, other than a residence occupied by the person owning or in possession of such animals; and, provided further, that the keeping of such animals shall not create a health or nuisance problem.

I wish you luck in changing your town's policies. I have a quick question about the thirty-feet. That seems to say the house but does it mean the property line?​

 

[redriver]

Quote:
I wish you luck in changing your town's policies. I have a quick question about the thirty-feet. That seems to say the house but does it mean the property line?

No, it means your neighbor's house. If someone had a lot that was only 60 feet wide, they wouldn't be legally allowed to keep chickens if it was the property line. Since we do have some narrow and/or small lots in town we made it to your neighbor's house so that those people wouldn't be excluded. I'll post the final version of the proposed code tomorrow since I did make a few changes to it after people reviewed it and commented.

 

[redriver]

Here is the final proposal that was suggested to the city. The also got a page and a half of FAQs.


Proposed changes to City of Yreka Municipal Code

Section 8.04 – General Provisions changed to allow for keeping of chickens.

Proposed text change (changes noted in bold type), Section 8.04.20:
(a) It is unlawful for any person to keep, stable, corral or otherwise maintain within the city limits any horse, mule, fowl, ass, sheep, goat, swine, cattle or ruminant, or any number of such animals, except as specifically permitted under provisions of this chapter; provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the working of any such animals or their use or display in a parade.

Proposed additional subsections.

Keeping of Chickens; Permits Required
It is unlawful for any person to keep, harbor or maintain any male chicken (rooster) within the city.

It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain within the city, or permit to be kept or maintained upon land belonging to such person, any female chickens (hens) except as follows:

All hens kept, harbored or maintained by their owners in the city shall be registered and permitted as herein provided.

A total of not more than six hens may be kept and maintained in a clean and sanitary pen or structure, no part of which shall be located less than thirty feet from any residence, other than a residence occupied by the person owning or in possession of such animals; and, provided further, that the keeping of such animals shall not create a health or nuisance problem.

Chickens shall be registered with and permits shall be issued by the city clerk or other designated agency, on payment of a permit fee established by resolution of the city council. Said fees shall be for each calendar year or a fraction thereof.

Roaming prohibited.
No owner or keeper of a chicken shall allow or permit such chicken, whether permitted or not, to roam within the city in or upon any public place or premises, or in or upon any private place or premises other than those of the owner or keeper except with the consent of the person in charge of the private place or premises.

Suggested rate structure
Permit and fees would be annually, on a per flock basis. Suggested initial annual fee is $10 per flock of not more than six (6) hens.

 

[redriver]

BYC was mentioned in an article our local paper published about the city council meeting!

http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/topstories/x1700912751/Yreka-City-Council-talks-chickens

 

[drinkguiness]

I didn't see this thread when I posted my "Chicken Rights" thread. I will let that one die as all the action is here. I wish I could make it to the next council meeting, but I live in south county and have an afternoon meeting that day. However, as I plan on moving to Yreka in the near future, I will make every attempt to attend any future meetings. Thanks for doing all the heavy lifting!

 

[redriver]

Quote:
No problem! We have a Facebook page, too. Yreka City Chickens, if you would like to join.

 

[drinkguiness]

I just did. You're up to 14 now.

 

[redriver]

City Council meeting tonight... Take two. We'll need three votes from the council to keep us moving forward. Hopefully we get it!