Interim Wayland City Manager Larry Nielsen sketched together a draft of a proposed ordinance for residents keeping chickens within the city limits. City Council members examined it Monday night and suggested changes.

The city is looking into adopting an ordinance permitting citizens to keep chickens, but not roosters, and there were discussions about regulations. There may be a public hearing on the issue within the next several month.

Councilman Rick Mathis asked the most questions and suggested the most changes, reiterating his insistence that the ordinance be good enough to avoid problems. He once again said he would rather see the city have some kind of ordinance enforcement.

“I want to make sure all enforcement policies and procedures are all in place (before the ordinance is adopted),” Mathis said.

Councilwoman Tracy Bivins said she would be in favor of hiring a part-time ordinance enforcement officers, not just for chickens, and asked Nielsen is there is enough money in the city’s budget for the expense. The answer was in the affirmative.

The proposed ordinance is likely to include a permit fee of $50 and renewal at $25 after three years. The city appears to be amenable to allowing residents to take eggs to work for sale, but will not tolerate home businesses selling eggs. It is likely that coops will be at least 10 feet from neighboring property lines and chickens’ slaughter in the yard will be prohibited.

More details about removal of chickens violating the ordinance and where they will be taken still are being discussed, as are regulations about handling deceased chickens and permitting baby chicks for between four and seven weeks.

Council members have indicated they want to follow guidelines from the Generally Accepted Agricultural Mangement Practices (GAAMPS).

However, Nielsen said, as in adopting most ordinances, it’s good to remember, “When you live in a zoned community, it’s all about being a good neighbor.”