MUKILTEO — If you want to keep chickens in your back yard, go ahead.
The Mukilteo City Council approved changes Monday to the city’s animal code that include allowing people to keep hens, but not roosters.
The reve
rsal of the 2004 ban on chickens came in an effort to promote sustainable and local food.
People now can have between two and four hens, and must follow rules regarding the birds’ living quarters and food storage. Chickens can be kept in back yards only in a fenced area and at least 25 feet from houses on adjacent lots. Homeowners interested in getting chickens need to get a one-time coop license and consult with the Snohomish Conservation District.
The ordinance is written in a way intended to protect neighbors from potential downsides of living next door to chickens, senior city planner Glen Pickus said at the hearing.
Other approved changes include making it easier to deal with barking-dog complaints and allowing temporary harboring of goats and sheep, which are used to eat unwanted vegetation on public land.
Beekeeping also was brought up at the hearing, after a woman testified about the benefits of bees. Officials said they will consider allowing beehives.
Questions or comments?
Contact the City of Mukilteo at 425-263-8000 or www.ci.mukilteo.wa.us.
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