Council approves special permit to temporarily allow 18 chickens at 289 Oregon Street

The Weed City Council approved a special animal permit for a residential property at 289 Oregon Street to allow an existing flock of 18 hens to remain temporarily, subject to conditions and enforcement.

Staff said the owner had maintained chickens since about 2021 without substantiated nuisance complaints; the resident sought the permit after an inspection found 18 birds, which exceeded the municipal code limit. Staff recommended approval with enforceable conditions: the existing flock may remain, replacements are prohibited until the flock size falls to the municipal limit, and any substantiated noise, odor or public-health complaints would require immediate reduction below the code threshold.

The applicant told council he had purchased younger hens to replace aging birds and sought to remain "above board" with city rules. Council members praised the owner's proactive permitting and noted the property's larger lot and fenced area as factors supporting the permit. The council voted to approve the special permit with the recommended conditions.

What happens next: Code enforcement will monitor compliance; the permit is conditional and can be revoked if complaints are validated.