Politics & Government
Town Council to Discuss Allowing Residents to Keep Chickens Tuesday
Just last month, the Council voted against allowing residents to keep miniature goats as pets.
After voting out a zoning ordinance text amendment (ZOTA) that would allow town residents to keep miniature goats as pets in their backyards last month, the Town Council will now move on to considering the idea of allowing residents to keep up to four chickens.
At its meeting on Tuesday night, Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Town Council will discuss a proposed ZOTA and choose to either defer it to a later date, or pass it to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is the first to review ZOTAs such as these and will then vote and make recommendations to the Town Council, which has final approval.
The proposed amendment would indicate:
- Residents on lots of 10,000 square feet or more would be allowed to keep up to four female chickens or waterfowl (such as a pet duck).
- Selling of any dairy products such as eggs would be prohibited onsite, but allowed off-site.
- Any enclosed or accessory structure (such as a coop or cage) cannot be located closer than 10 feet from any property line.
- The animals can only be kept in the rear yard of the home, which must have a fence to keep the fowl in. The fence must meet standards and be at least six feet high. No structures such as coops or cages that are taller than 3 feet can be located closer than 5 feet from the fence.
- Any waste from the animals must be handled properly "so as not to create odor, attract vermin or create a nuisance to residents or occupants of surrounding properties."
As a zoning ordinance, the right to keep the animals would be subject to the resident obtaining a permit, and inspections can be conducted to ensure compliance.
Also At Tuesday's Council Meeting
A public hearing will be held on the idea of allowing Jimmy's Old Town Tavern in downtown to add outdoor seating.
Also, the Mayor and Town Council members will be recognizing a number of people for their recent contributions and accomplishments to the Town.
The Pride of Herndon marching band of Herndon High School will be recognized for their recent success traveling to Hawaii to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. In addition, JT Sidhu of United Airlines will be presented with a certificate of appreciation for his help to the band with their travels.
The winners of the Dress Up Herndon for the Holidays contest will be presented with their certificates.
John Mosesso will be honored for his contributions to the Herndon Homecoming Parade this past October.
TELL US - What are your thoughts on the idea of allowing Town residents to keep up to four chickens or waterfowl in their backyards? Share in the comments below.
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