MARTIN COUNTY, Fla (CBS12) — Stuart commissioners are not ready to make a final decision on allowing backyard chickens.
Stuart commissioners seek resident input before deciding on backyard chickens. CBS12’s Paige Meyer reports.
Instead, commissioners discussed creating a citywide survey during Monday night’s meeting to gauge whether residents support allowing hens and whether they would consider keeping chickens themselves.
The survey could be distributed through utility bills, online and with hard copies available throughout the city. Commissioners also discussed ways to verify that responses come from Stuart residents, including using a property address or utility account number.
Backyard Chicken QuestionnairePDF previewPreview PDF
Backyard Chicken Questionnaire
The commission did not approve a backyard-chicken ordinance or pilot program Monday night.
Supporters said allowing hens could give families access to fresh eggs and more control over their food sources. Several people spoke in favor of starting with a pilot program before making any permanent changes.
Stuart commissioners seek resident input before deciding on backyard chickens (Sinclair)
“I am in support of the pilot program,” Stuart resident Bonnie Moser said. “I think you could definitely incorporate existing families who already do have chickens into that program because if this doesn’t pass, we’re going to lose our chickens.”
Others raised concerns about potential noise, odors, pests and whether chicken waste could affect water quality.
Stuart commissioners seek resident input before deciding on backyard chickens (Storyline)
Commissioners also discussed unresolved questions involving permits, coop requirements, neighbor notification, inspections and code enforcement.
“Currently, state law prohibits code enforcement from entering someone’s backyard without a search warrant. There’s going to have to be some regulation by the commission that authorizes the code enforcement person to access the backyard,” said Lee Baggett, Stuart city attorney.
A previous proposal would have allowed up to four hens at some single-family homes. Roosters would not have been allowed.
City Manager Michael Mortell said the matter could return to the commission as soon as its second meeting in October.