Planning Commission recommends moving rooster limits into zoning code and sets lot‑size caps

Craig Spencer of Housing & Community Development presented a zoning‑based approach to rooster keeping that would repeal the animal‑control permit regime (Chapter 8.50) and establish a bright‑line rooster limit in non‑agricultural zones: one rooster for lots under 2 acres, two roosters for 2–5 acres and up to five roosters for parcels of five acres or more. "What it does is it repeals Chapter 8.50 and modifies the zoning ordinance," Spencer said as he walked commissioners through the proposed sliding scale and exemptions for 4‑H/FFA, animal sanctuaries and permitted poultry farms.

Public comment was strongly in favor of change from residents who described large backyard operations. Cindy Slade told the commission her neighborhood has endured a nearby 30‑rooster operation for two years and asked for a shorter grace period: "I would like to strongly request that that grace period be reduced to 6 months," she said. Other neighbors described properties with hundreds of caged roosters and asked for more rapid enforcement.

Commissioners debated enforcement capacity; Spencer said HCD code enforcement would lead enforcement if ordinance language is adopted, but that enforcement priorities emphasize health, life and safety. On motion the Planning Commission voted to recommend the zoning ordinance changes to the Board of Supervisors, with staff to return final drafting and to consider the amortization period for current permittees.