The City of Kitchener hosted a public meeting Thursday night seeking input on the issue of backyard chicken coops.
The current bylaw does not permit chickens. One option presented was to keep that bylaw in place.
The city is also considering allowing backyard hens, but with restrictions.
Those include the number of chickens, the size of their pens and how close they can be to property lines. Sanitation requirements and feed storage would also be considered.
If the city allows the practice with restrictions, the bylaw may be self-regulated or owners will be required to have a permit and inspection.
Another option is to create a pilot project in a ward that will test having backyard hens.
The city would monitor feedback and any complaints received before moving forward.
Opinions on the issue are mixed.
The results of an online survey show nearly 88% of respondents approve of having backyard chicken coops, and many of those would have coops in their own yards if allowed.
Other residents are concerned about noise, odour and unsanitary conditions should the practice be approved.
The city hopes to get more feedback from residents before making a final decision.
With reporting by Allison Tanner
