Council limits roosters, tightens containment rules in animal control code

The City Council on March 18 adopted an amendment to the animal control code that adds roosters to the prohibited list of nuisance animals, adjusts allowable counts for small and large fowl on residential lots, and clarifies containment requirements (coops and fenced runs).

Scott Bennett (S9) explained the change responds to recurring nuisance complaints and clarified that the existing code’s numerical math could allow as many as 20 chickens on a quarter‑acre lot; the proposed adjustment reduces that allowance to a size the staff considers appropriate for the zone. Staff said a coop and a fenced run will be required and that roaming chickens on public roads would not be allowed.

Councilmember Buzzy (named in the meeting) moved to amend the code to include a direct reference to the noise ordinance for after‑hours enforcement of persistent animal noise; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council discussion noted nighttime protections are governed by the city’s noise ordinance and that animal‑nuisance enforcement would rely on those standards when the issue is a 24‑hour problem.

The ordinance change is intended to reduce neighborhood nuisances from fowl and clarify enforcement options while allowing contained backyard chickens under revised limits.