Amherst homeowners ask board to allow three extra chickens at North Ridge Road property

Chair Terry Tomaszewski opened the first agenda item by naming the applicants as residents at 45560 North Ridge Road and identifying the request as a variance from Chapter 11.505.13(a)(4), which the chair summarized limits yards of one acre or less to four fowl.

Inez Santiago, who spoke from the podium, said the household currently keeps four hens and asked the board to allow three more. "We have 4 golden supreme baton chickens," she said, added that the birds are kept in a 10‑by‑14 shed and an 8‑by‑14 fenced area, and told the board the family cleans the area weekly. The applicant also said neighbors are aware and that she and her family will continue to watch the birds closely.

City inspector McCartney told the board the parcel measures about 0.79 acres and said he discovered the excess while on an inspection for another matter. "Their property is 0.79 acres," McCartney said, and explained he issued a notice after finding more than the permitted number of fowl on site. McCartney confirmed the homeowners have since reduced the number on site but are requesting the variance for three additional fowl.

The board asked for clarification on fencing, location of the shed and how long the birds had been kept. Applicants explained the yard is fully enclosed and that some birds were temporarily housed for a family member's trip. After public questions and no opposing public comment, the chair said the board would go into deliberative session and that applicants would be notified in writing of the decision within 14 days.

Next steps: the board deferred a final ruling to its deliberation and will issue a written decision to the applicants within 14 days.