Memorandum

to:                  Mayor and Town Council

from:            Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager

subject:      Land Use Management Ordinance Text Amendment – Non-Commercial Keeping of Chickens in Residential Zoning Districts

date:            February 23, 2009

reissued:  March 9, 2009

PURPOSE

Tonight, the Council considers a proposed Land Use Management Ordinance text amendment regarding the non-commercial keeping of chickens in residential zoning districts. The purpose of this cover memorandum is to forward my recommendation to the Council.

MAnager’s recommendation

Based on the information presented at the public hearing, I believe the Council can find that the keeping of chickens is consistent with the sustainability-related themes of the Natural Environment section of the Comprehensive Plan.  If the Council wishes to act on that finding, I recommend that the Council enact Revised Ordinance A amending the Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance regarding the non-commercial keeping of female chickens in residential zoning districts as well as Revised Ordinance B amending the Town Code of Ordinances to reduce the number of chickens allowed to be kept and to eliminate front yards for the keeping of chickens.  Ordinance A and B have been revised to clarify the definition of a front yard.