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Council to consider urban chickens, funds for Bellevue & Camp Diva

On the agenda for the Monday, February 25th meeting of the City Council (PDF):

Res. No. 2013-R51 (Patron: Ms. Newbille) – To approve an expenditure in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Council Districts Funds for the Seventh District to make a donation to Communities In Schools for the expansion of integrated support services for the students of Bellevue Elementary School.

Res. No. 2013-R53 (Patron: Ms. Newbille) – To approve an expenditure in the amount of $350.00 from the Council Districts Funds for the Seventh District to make a donation to Camp Diva’s Date with Dad Dinner and Dance on March 17, 2013.

Res. No. 2013-R48 (Patron: President Samuels, By Request) – To declare a public necessity to amend City Code § 114-402.2(8) and to initiate an amendment to the City’s zoning ordinance to include the raising or keeping of no more than four female chickens as a permitted accessory use.

25 comments

crd 02/22/2013 at 10:17 AM

Excellent news about chickens, I hope that one passes!

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fox in the henhouse 02/22/2013 at 10:23 AM

People wanting chickens should consult their neighbors too before getting them. Chickens can be loud at times and, if not properly cared for, create a smelly mess.

So, its not as simple as throwing up a fence and getting birds.

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PTG 02/22/2013 at 12:39 PM

I wouldn’t mind having some chickens. Grew up with them, loved the morning routine of going out on a chilly morning, gathering some eggs, coming in and making an egg sandwich.

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JD 02/22/2013 at 3:24 PM

#3 – Pet owners typically don’t consult their neighbors before getting pets. I’d rather listen to chicken cluck and squawk than listen to a dog incessantly barking.

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diana 02/22/2013 at 5:56 PM

The smell can be intense. And if there is a rooster … loud!

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Lucky Canine 02/22/2013 at 10:17 PM

Roosters are not allowed. Four hens per household.

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CapitalGal 02/23/2013 at 9:11 AM

chickens have been living next door for over a year now–yes, in church hill. it’s all good. they’ve never smelled bad–never are noisy–just a cute little clucking sound when we say hello. its time to have hens in the city!

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Lucky Canine 02/23/2013 at 10:15 AM

I also have chickens living near my house. I love hearing them clucking in the early morning. I’ve always wanted to have some hens of my own but, with 4 dogs in residence, that doesn’t seem likely so I will enjoy them for afar. I know of one goat living in a back yard in CH and there are the geese, of course. I just hope people do their research before getting chickens – there is some work and knowledge required.

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spacecat 02/23/2013 at 2:40 PM

This link goes to a discussion from 2010 covering much about chickens in an urban setting and some of the background that’s led to the upcoming urban chicken amendment.

https://chpn.net/news/2010/02/04/urban-chickens_12005/

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jean mcdaniel 02/23/2013 at 3:43 PM

The goat is long gone. Geese are a lot of work and expense to care for. My geese are legal due to a court ruling in my favor and the support of my neighbors. Chickens are not as much work to care for and you get fresh eggs!! Please send an E-mail to Cynthia Newbille@Richmondgov.com to show your support for keeping chickens in the city.

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Lucky Canine 02/23/2013 at 7:59 PM

But chickens are work. Please don’t downplay the responsibility of caring for them. They require daily feeding and a specific diet, fresh water, shelter from the elements, nesting boxes, protection from predators and periodic veterinary care. You can’t just throw them out in the back yard and – tada! – you have fresh eggs,

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georut 02/24/2013 at 9:32 AM

It’s all fun and games until someone gets a rooster.

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spacecat 02/24/2013 at 10:25 AM

@georut. the amendment does not allow roosters to be kept. four female chickens only.

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Hen? What hens? 02/24/2013 at 6:07 PM

Hey Lucky Canine–I think you are my neighbor. Glad they are not a bother! If you’d like some eggs, just stop by!

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Lucky Canine 02/24/2013 at 8:24 PM

Did I chicken sit for you? If so, then I am your neighbor and you know I LOVE your chickens!

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jean mcdaniel 02/25/2013 at 7:30 AM

Post #12 is accurate in all that he says. Any animal that we “own” ( for lack of a better word ) deserves the best care we can possibly provide.

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Curious 02/25/2013 at 8:12 PM

Any news on how Council voted in this matter?

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Human Honey Badger 02/26/2013 at 7:25 AM

so, 18….if I read it correctly, you are “Chicken Curious”

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spacecat 02/26/2013 at 9:44 AM Reply
Curious 02/26/2013 at 10:48 AM

Funny JDC!

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Tools in the box 02/26/2013 at 11:45 AM

The vote on Res. No. 2013-R48 passed 7-0. There are two other resolutions to go before council. The one that matters is Ordinance No. 2013-17 and will be at the Land USe Standing Committee March 19th.

Ord. No. 2013-17 (Patron: President Samuels, By Request) – To amend and reordain City Code § 10-88, concerning the keeping and running at large of hogs, pigs and fowl, to amend and
reordain ch. 10, art. II of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 4 (§§ 10-94 through 10-101) and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein a new fee for section 10-95, for the purpose of establishing regulations for the keeping, placement and maintenance of chickens in the city. It can be found here:
http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/clerkstracking/getPDFStandingComm.asp?NO=744&TYPE=A

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