Board allows three chickens as emotional‑support animals with drainage and easement conditions

The Greenwood Board of Public Works and Safety approved July 6 a request to allow three chickens at a residence for emotional‑support purposes, subject to drainage and easement conditions.

Michelle Chrisman told the board that the family has had chickens on the property for about a year and a half and presented a letter from a doctor stating the chickens serve as emotional support for her son. Engineering recommended approval, while storm‑water staff flagged potential drainage concerns.

Chrisman said she cleans the chicken area daily and that city staff who inspected the site did not note odors or drainage problems. The board approved the request with standard conditions to ensure adequate drainage and included a condition that any work required in the easement by the city or utilities that necessitates moving the chickens would be at the owner's expense. The motion included those conditions and passed.

Board members noted the approval was specific to the emotional‑support claim and that, absent that claim, chickens would likely not be permitted under the city code. The board wished the family luck and closed the item.

Staff also handled multiple routine encroachment and subdivision acceptance items during the meeting, including approvals for fence encroachments and performance guarantee releases for several developments.