Campaign to restore chicken rights advances in another county

Poultry on private property is one of the more contentious debates that almost always leaves neighbors with great divides throughout their communities as they play tug-a-war over property rights (which should always be the winner) and Homeowners Association covenants. The ordinances usually err on the side of “no chickens allowed,” but Thursday evening yielded a small victory in one Georgia county.

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to allow chickens to reside in residential areas.

The rules, which are still strict, are as follows:

• Up to 6 chickens on the first acre of land
• 3 chickens for each additional acre after the first, with a maximum of 12 for 3 acres

Commissioner Randy Ognio proposed higher limits to allow for enough chickens for homegrown eggs for a household, but his proposal was not approved.

Chariman Charles Oddo told Fayette County News “We’re trying to maintain the rural nature of Fayette County, and this is one way to do that.”

Many rural counties have no ordinances in place restricting backyard chickens, but semi-rural and metro areas have pushed back considerably, and out-of-control local officials, like those in the City of Roswell, have even resorted to litigation to keep chickens out.

The Fayette County ordinance is similar to that of Gwinnett County, Athens-Clarke County, the City of Sandy Springs, the City of Columbus, and the City of Canton.