9-15-15 fdl chicken ordinance

Four months after approving a beekeeping ordinance Fond du Lac city officials are considering an ordinance that would allow residents to keep chickens in residential areas.  Two Fond du lac residents are asking for changes to the municipal code that would allow them to raise chickens on their property. Planner JoEllyn Dahlin says a similar request was voted down three years ago and city staff still opposes allowing backyard chickens.  “Our opinion is that circumstances have not changed.  There’s still the same concerns for mixing elements,”  Dahlin told WFDL news.   “There’s a concern especially in older residential neighborhoods with very small lots that there could be potential conflicts.”   Dahlin says community development staff has prepared a zoning code amendment to address siting and construction of chicken coops and pens should the city council approve an ordinance.  Supporters say there is a growing popularity of a self sustaining lifestyle and organic, homegrown food and that hundreds of  communities across the country have similar ordinances including several Wisconsin municipalities.