Stuart postpones vote on backyard chickens ordinance
The Stuart City Commission delayed a vote on an ordinance allowing backyard chickens due to the absence of a key staff member, with plans to revisit the issue next month.
STUART, Fla. —
The Stuart City Commission postponed a vote on an ordinance that would allow backyard chickens in certain residential neighborhoods after a key staff member was unable to attend Monday night’s meeting at the last minute.
The ordinance, which commissioners plan to vote on next month, would permit single-family and duplex homes in specific residential areas to keep up to four hens as an accessory use.
“Obviously getting to have fresh eggs every day. Getting to promote agriculture and outside learning with your little ones,” said Amber D’Angelo, a Martin County resident.
Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
D’Angelo said raising hens provides families with benefits such as contributing to more nutritious meals and connecting with food sustainability practices.
“It’s also a property rights issue. I think that people should be able to do what they want on their property, as long as it’s not harming anyone,” she said.
Some residents and commissioners have raised concerns about potential impacts on water quality and noise. The proposal was revised to include recommendations from the Community Redevelopment Board, such as standards for fencing, landscaping, and chicken coops.
The ordinance was approved in a first reading earlier this year.
“I’m hoping that the commissioners, the city commissioner majority will, respect people’s property rights, respect their constituents, build back trust in this community because recently it’s been broken a lot. And I’m hoping that they say yes to backyard chickens as a positive way to build back that bridge of trust,” D’Angelo said.
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.