Chickens In The Yard proposes changes to Salem's ordinance

by Nate Rafn

Chickens In The Yard (CITY) announced in their newsletter today that they are proposing changes to Salem's existing chicken ordinance.

According to a report from the Community Development Department, fifty applications were received by the City of Salem for chicken coop licensing since the ordinance went into effect on October 27th, 2010. Re-inspection issues have been minimal and code violation cases were less than what Compliance Services had responded to prior to the adoption of the chicken ordinance. All ten of the violation cases were easily resolved.

Because the chicken ordinance has not created a code enforcement problem or financial burden for Salem, CITY is asking for six changes to the ordinance. They want to eliminate inspections, reduce the license fee, and increase the number of hens allowed, among other changes.

The proposal is currently being reviewed, and there may be another city council meeting to hash things out. Visit www.salemchickens.com to stay up to date on this issue.

Upcoming Salem City Counsel meeting to hold vote on chickens.

White Leghorn hen.

by Nate Rafn
September 18th, 2010

This Monday, September 20th at 7:30 PM, Salem City Counsel will vote on a chicken ordinance.

Chickens In The Yard (CITY), Salem's urban chicken advocacy group, has been battling with City Counsel since early 2009. The process has been slow, and a handful of counselors have been unwilling to work with CITY on getting an ordinance passed.

However, Barbara Palermo, top organizer with CITY is confident she has enough votes to move forward.

My Thoughts

Allowing residents in urban areas to keep chickens is essential. As we collectively move towards a more sustainable future, gardening and small scale animal husbandry will play a big part in shaping our community. I believe that incorporating chickens into our gardens and edible landscapes will strengthen neighborhoods, deter crime, improve home values, reduce polution, cut food costs, and make our communities more self-sufficient.

I strongly encourage anyone who supports our right to keep a few backyard hens to join me at Salem City Hall on Monday night. This is our chance to show the City of Salem that after nearly two years of debate, our enthusiasm for this ordinance has not been diminished.

Salem City Hall

Council Chambers Room 240

555 Liberty St NE Salem

Monday, September 20th, 7:30 PM