RECENT COMMENTS
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.
Excellent news about chickens, I hope that one passes!
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.
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.
#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.
The smell can be intense. And if there is a rooster … loud!
Roosters are not allowed. Four hens per household.
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!
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.
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.
http://chpn.net/news/2010/02/04/urban-chickens_12005/
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.
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,
It’s all fun and games until someone gets a rooster.
@georut. the amendment does not allow roosters to be kept. four female chickens only.
Hey Lucky Canine–I think you are my neighbor. Glad they are not a bother! If you’d like some eggs, just stop by!
Did I chicken sit for you? If so, then I am your neighbor and you know I LOVE your chickens!
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.
Any news on how Council voted in this matter?
so, 18….if I read it correctly, you are “Chicken Curious”
The vote was postponed until late march:
http://wtvr.com/2013/02/22/richmond-urban-chicken-vote-continued-until-march/
Funny JDC!
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