LAFAYETTE, IN — As the one-year sunset clause for Lafayette’s chicken ordinance approaches in September, city council members will hear a first reading of an amendment to make the ordinance permanent.
An amendment included on the agenda for Monday’s monthly meeting said the city has issued 45 permits to allow chickens within city limits since the ordinance was passed in September last year.
Since the ordinance’s passing, Lafayette City Attorney Jacque Chosnek said Animal Control calls involving chickens have been “quickly rectified.”
“They’ve been things like chicken flocks not having permits or chickens running at large,” Chosnek said of typical calls. “Not unlike other domesticated animals like cats or dogs.”
City officials said they have not experienced reoccurring complaints about odor, noise, sanitation or similar neighborhood issues.
“The common council finds that the ordinance has successfully balanced the interests of residents wishing to engage in responsible backyard chicken-keeping with the city’s responsibility to protection public health, safety and neighborhood harmony,” the amendment says.
The amended ordinance will be addressed on Monday at 6 p.m. in council chambers at 20 N. 6th St.
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette council members to vote to make chicken ordinance permanent
Reporting by Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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By Jillian Ellison, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
