Yet another burden for the Planning Board, which must issue conditional use permits for keeping backyard chickens, and the Code Enforcement Officer, who must ensure that chickens are being kept humanely, in proper fenced enclosures, and "in conditions that limit odors, waste and noise and the attraction of rats, mice, insects and other pests."
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Thanks to Virginia Martin for bringing this to our attention
This is the comment I submitted during public comments period. I received no response from the Mayor's office. I followed up with my Ward reps and the Mayor's office to ask what the process would be for us getting any information from the pubic comments but again got nothing from the Mayor's office
ReplyDeleteI am writing to express my concern about this legislation. I do not believe that it meets health and safety requirements. item E is very vague regarding the definition of clean and sanitary conditions. Item F is unenforceable. What does conditions that "limit" odors, waste and noise and the attraction of rats etc. actually mean from an enforcement perspective? How will that be evaluated?
We are in the middle of a pandemic that originated in animals. If we are going to allow urban livestock, it needs to be with very clear regulations,ongoing inspections by qualified health inspectors (who will pay for that) and clear rules on enforcement.
I am not necessarily opposed to the idea, but the language of this legislation does not protect the health and safety of the residents. This is a very dense community. We need clearly defined and enforceable health and safety codes.