MANLIUS – The Manlius Town Board continues to debate whether to allow backyard chickens in residential neighborhoods.
The board is considering amending its definition of household pets to allow for the ownership of chickens, rabbits and miniature goats in residential zones. The law that is currently being discussed has no limits on the number of animals but does restrict the size of any enclosure housing the animals to 50 sq. ft., the same size limitation the town has for dog houses.
Last week, the town board hosted a public hearing on the proposal. Most of those who communicated with the board supported the proposal, citing environmental benefits, the reduction in ticks and the desire to raise chickens for eggs. One resident suggested the town implement a permitting process to ensure that the animals are kept in a sanitary manner that doesn’t infringe on neighbors.
As it is currently written, the proposal wouldn’t impact the Homewood neighborhood, which has smaller lot sizes, although there was some support for allowing chickens in that area as well.
Councilor Karen Green expressed concern about both the aesthetics of backyard chicken coops and salmonella poisoning, which can occur when people eat uncooked eggs or chicken.
“I see it as a serious health issue and we’re just coming out of a pandemic,” she said.
Councilor Elaine Denton, who owns chickens on her property in a more rural section of town, has been the primary advocate for the change in law.
“Chickens are here already,” Denton said. “Our residents do want the ability to have chickens.”
Codes enforcement officer Randy Capriotti has mentioned to the town board several times in recent months that his office has taken a number of phone calls from residents who would like to raise chickens.
The village of Fayetteville already allows chickens, with limitations, and requires each resident who would like to raise chickens to apply to the town board and submit plans for the placement of chicken coops and runs.
The board will continue the public hearing on the chicken code on March 24 at 6:45 p.m.