Politics & Government

Update: Planning Commission OKs Backyard Chicken Recommendation

The commission's report recommends the city allow chickens on a zone-based allowance system.

The Redmond Planning Commission approved a report Wednesday that recommends changes to the city's comprehensive plan so as to allow female chickens on residential property according to a zone-based system.

The vote is the latest step in an ongoing effort to revise the city's regulations on small animal husbandry, which includes so-called backyard chickens. As the rules stand now, chickens are permitted only on lots that are one-half acre or larger.

The proposal now goes to the Redmond City Council, which will discuss the planning commission's report at its Nov. 7 study session and could take action as soon as its regular Dec. 6 meeting.

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The planning commission's report recommends a zone-based allotment system wherein ο»Ώ"one chicken would be allowed for every 1,000 square feet of the underlying average minimum lot size of each respective single-family zone." No more than eight chickens would be permitted on a single lot, the report states.

The report also recommends chicken shelters and runs be allowed no closer than 15 feet to any property line and that roosters continue to be banned on lots smaller than one-half acre.

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In terms of permitting, the planning commision has made a recommendation for mandatory on-site inspections, which goes beyond city staff's suggestion for a registration and review process that would take place over the phone or via email. Senior city planner Kim Dietz said city council members will make the ultimate decision on what type of permitting process will be used.

No additional public hearings are scheduled on the topic, but residents are invited to speak during a general comment period at the beginning of all regular city council meetings.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Oct. 25 but was updated on Oct. 27 to reflect the planning commission's vote.


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