Lakewood City Council Further Explores Backyard Hen Program

After great success with it’s November 2014-launched pilot program that allows a limited number of residents to raise hens in their backyards, the Lakewood City Council’s Housing Committee is looking to both expand and extend the program before it expires in July.

The Committee has found little to no trouble with the program since its launch. At Monday’s Housing Committee meeting residents even expressed gratitude for the program. During the program’s first 18 months, 11 families have participated in keeping the animals.

The Committee wants to pass an ordinance that will allow the program to continue on an on-going basis. The city originally planned to permit 10 additional operations per year until a maximum of 40 were in place, but are now discussing extending that maximum. Also up for discussion is the maximum height of the hen coops, which is now limited at 6 feet. The required distance of the coops from a person's house may also be reviewed.

Discussion will continue in future meetings before an ordinance is taken to the full City Council about extension past July. Local supporters of the program have rallied behind it in a Facebook page and a group called Hens in Lakewood.

Members of the Facebook group have shared tips on raising chickens and hens, posted pictures and videos and shared their love for raising hens.

Facebook user John Troy said, “We can not wait to build another coop now that we have moved purchasing a home in Lakewood.”