UPDATE @ 7:15 p.m. (Sept. 12): Beavercreek City Council rejected, 5-1, a proposed law that would've allowed home owners to keep chickens in residential areas.
EARLIER (Sept. 12)
Tonight, Beavercreek City Council will vote on a proposed law that would allow chickens in residential areas.
The council will decide whether to move the proposed law to a second reading. The vote on whether to adopt the proposed law will occur after the legislation has moved to a third reading.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Tonight's vote will mark the second time the council will vote on legislation that will allow chickens in residential areas. The backyard chicken law stalled with a 3-3 vote on Aug. 23.
2. If the proposed law is approved, residents will be allowed to keep a maximum of six chickens in residential areas.
3. In order to own chickens, homeowners must live on a lot that’s 15,000 square feet or larger. Chickens will not be allowed on lots zoned for multi-family or two-family homes.
4. If council approves the law, chickens will be allowed, but roosters will be banned.
5. Potential chicken owners will be required to get a permit. They will need an accessory structure permit before building a coop. The coop cannot exceed 100 square feet.
6. Potential chicken owners will also be required to apply for a separate permit to own chickens in a residential area.
7. The proposed law included a sunset provision that means the law is temporary and valid for one year. The council can make changes to the chicken-related regulations or repeal the law and force chicken owners to remove their backyard chickens.
