Before they can approve an updated ordinance broadening chicken ownership rights in Holland Township, officials must first consider whether there should be a limit to the number of permits available.
There are three pieces to the change — a zoning ordinance text amendment, a related general ordinance and a fee schedule. The update would ultimately permit chicken ownership at single-family dwellings in AG Agricultural, R-1 Low Density Residential and R-2 Moderate Density Residential, but prohibit ownership in R-2A Medium Density Residential and R-3 High Density Residential.
The proposed fee schedule includes a $150 application fee; a $100 fee for additional or missed inspections; a $50 fee for denied entry or a complaint investigation that results in a violation; a $50 late charge for unpaid invoices; and a $150 penalty for a suspended permit — according to numbers presented to trustees July 16.
The zoning ordinance text amendment received a first reading in March, but a second reading and consideration was tabled July 16 until the question of permit limitations is answered and the fee schedule is discussed. An introduction and first reading of the associated general ordinance was completed.
Community Development Director Corey Broersma previously said there were discussions and changes to chicken ownership rules in 2018 and 2019, but the ordinance has been largely untouched since — despite a broad push toward lightening regulations amid COVID-19.
According to Supervisor Steve Bulthuis, trustees hope to continue discussions Aug. 20.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Should the number of chicken permits be limited in Holland Township?
Reporting by Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
