Redmond Residents Talk Chickens at City Hall

A glimpse of what loosened restrictions on backyard chickens might look like in Redmond was offered Wednesday as nearly 40 residents—most, if not all, of them pro-poultry—gathered at city hall to offer their suggestions for a possible shift in regulations.

The meeting was intended to discuss all species that fall under the city's code on "small domestic animals," including goats, ducks and rabbits, but most of the conversation centered around chickens.

"I think it was great," said Kathy Dennis, a Redmond resident who is leading an to persuade the city to change its policies on backyard chickens. "There have to be some guidelines, and I think the city got some great feedback here."

The city code currently prohibits chicken and other similar animals on lots that are smaller than one-half acre. Those who want the restriction loosened argue that chickens should be allowed on smaller lot sizes because they offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to store-bought eggs.

At Wednesday's meeting, participants broke into small groups to offer ideas for what a new set of regulations on small animals might look like. Most attendees said they support keeping the animals in some sort of enclosed space, such as a coop or fenced area.

Many said the inherent interests of chicken owners would prevent most of the potential problems that backyard chicken opponents cite as concerns.

"You don't want your chicken getting over (your fence) any more than you want your dog getting over the fence," Logan MacGregor said. "You lose a couple of birds and you learn real quick."

Education, several participants said, would be key in making sure new chicken owners know how to properly care for the animals as well as alleviating the fears of opponents.

Attendees also addressed the idea that having backyard chickens in a neighborhood could lower the property values of nearby homes. That notion, MacGregor said, seems to be shifting as many younger homeowners choose to engage in some level of home-based agriculture, which can range from vegetable gardens to backyard chickens.

"To me, a community that has some small animals is approaching an aesthetic ideal," he said.

City staff plans to take the suggestions that were offered at Wednesday's meeting and incorporate them into a set of recommendations for the planning commission, which is scheduled to address the topic this fall. A public hearing before the planning commission will take place at its Oct. 12 meeting.

The matter would then go before the city council for possible action in November or December.