Lower Burrell solicitor says city needs rules for backyard chickens on small lots

Lower Burrell Council could consider making rules for residents living on small residential lots who want to keep backyard chickens.

Solicitor Steve Yakopec advised council at Monday’s meeting that he believes the city needs an ordinance to set down regulations.

Council did not immediately move to advance the issue.

Farm animals are allowed in the city’s residential areas — but only on sites that are at least 10 acres.

The city’s recent zoning hearing board’s decision to allow residential chickens on a small residential property stands because no one, including council, appealed the board’s decision.

The zoning hearing board granted the allowance to a city family because they classified the chickens as pets and as a medical necessity for a family member.

Given the popularity of backyard chickens in other communities and the prospect of future requests, Yakopec advised council to consider an ordinance detailing the requirements.

“It might be better to have public meetings to see what the people think,” Yakopec said.

He distributed a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article on salmonella outbreaks from backyard poultry to council.

Salmonella germs can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and can be spread easily in areas where chickens live, according to the federal agency.