West Chester Borough Council authorized solicitor Kristin Camp to rewrite a borough ordinance that will loosen the rules for keeping chickens in backyards. The borough has issued two permits to residents who are currently raising chickens. Camp will craft language that will allow a five-foot setback from a property line, rather than the current 10 feet. Chickens will still not be allowed within 25 feet of buildings. A majority of council informally agreed to the change. The existing ordinance, “Keeping of Poultry and Hogs,” does not allow for hogs in the borough, except as pets, and is specific about raising chickens. Roosters are prohibited. Slaughtering of hens outdoors is prohibited. All hens must be maintained in a fully enclosed shelter, with a covered fenced enclosure that may only be located in the rear yard. The shelter must provide at least two square feet per hen. Hens may not run at large upon any public land or another person’s private property. Owners must provide “sanitary living conditions.” All feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. Hens are limited to the rear yard, which must be enclosed by a fence and screened from view from public streets and adjacent properties.
Source: Daily Local; 5/15/2024