In a move that may bring a slice of rural life into the Woodbury cityscape, the local government is considering a shift in its livestock policies to allow residents to keep chickens within certain urban zones. This potential revision of the city ordinance is stirring various opinions among community members regarding the place of these feathered friends in an urban setting.
The proposed alteration targets the Urban Reserve (R-1) and Urban Residential (R-2) zoning districts, offering a nod to the many residents who have expressed favorability towards the idea of backyard chickens. According to a recent survey highlighted on the city’s website, nine in 10 respondents approve the keeping of backyard chickens on rural estate properties of 3 acres or more, and about six in 10 showed support for allowing them on urban properties of one acre or larger. However, the concept was less popular among those considering the allowance on standard city lots, with approximately six in 10 standing in opposition.
Woodbury's current livestock ordinance permits chickens solely on properties boasting a minimum expanse of 5 acres. The new ordinance is positioned to provide a more inclusive approach by permitting three hens on lots up to 3.99 acres and an additional chicken for every acre on larger properties. The proposed numerical restrictions embody a compromise, attuning to various concerns from potential noise to spatial adequacy for the animals.
Residents with questions regarding the proposal can reach out to the city's Planning Division for additional information. Contact details are provided on the Woodbury official website, directing inquiries to the telephone number 651-714-3533 or the email address [email protected].
