The Wayland City Co
uncil made it clear Monday night there’ll be no pusillanimous pussyfooting on the issue of developing a local chicken ordinance.
Council voted 5-1 to direct City Manager Tim McLean to draw up a proposed ordinance permitting and regulating the raising of chickens within the city limits.
The action was taken after McLean presented information about other municipalities that allow the birds and invited members to visit the Village of Middleville to see how it’s handled there. But council decided, with Mayor Tim Bala casting the only dissenting vote, to proceed apace.
Explaining she didn’t see a need to visit Middleville, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Antel said, “I’d like us to move forward on drafting an ordinance, including the permitting process.”
There seemed to a consensus for making it as easy as possible for residents to keep chickens, but no roosters. And members agreed inspections should be limited to first time only and in case there are complaints.
“I don’t think we need to see other peoples’ chicken coops,” said Councilman Tim Rose.
Developing a chicken ordinance has been discussed by council for several months now, just after Dorr Township adopted an ordinance. It was also noted that Leighton Township allows up to 20 birds on a property, but the city is likely to insist on a lower maximum number.
With urban farming growing popularity and the belief that chickens can be kept with fewer distractions than dogs or cats, council members seemed to indicate a willingness to keep up with modern trends.
PHOTO: Wayland High School graduate Robby Young with his chicken friend in Colorado Springs.
