This evening’s adventure was a trip to the City of Visalia’s twice-monthly meeting of the Planning Commission. Among the items on the agenda was an amendment to the city municipal code that would add chickens to the approved list of household pets allowed within the city limits.
PUBLIC HEARING – Paul Scheibel
Municipal Code Amendment No. 2015-06: A request by the City of Visalia to Amend Titles
6 (Animals) and 17 (Zoning) to allow chicken keeping in the R-1-6 and R-1-4.5 Singlefamily
Residential Zone Districts. The project is Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305,
Categorical Exemption No. 2015-29
My son-in-law’s aunt, who is also our down-the-street neighbor, was instrumental in bringing this issue to the City Council, and spoke in favor of the amendment. Of the dozen or so people who took part in the public comment session, all but two were in favor (there was also a small group encouraging allowing pigmy goats within the city limits, as well, but that issue was not being officially addressed). Pro-hen speakers talked about the joys of having chickens as pets, teaching children responsibility, self-sufficiency and self-reliance, and how much quieter chickens were than barking dogs. The two ladies who spoke against it cited concerns about noise, smell, potential for disease, and loose chickens causing havoc in the neighborhoods.
The Planning Commission process is rather interesting. The City Council had staff write the proposed amendment and gather information regarding what other municipalities allow and disallow. Then after the citizen comment time, the Commission members discussed the ideas in the open session, and ended up recommending a denial of the amendment so that it could be re-written and strengthened before being voted on by the Council.
I know I’m pretty weird, enjoying watching the process unfold. The next meeting will be June 1, and although I can’t be there, I know Christine will keep me posted. Watch this space for further chicken-as-pets news!
triggershorse 
Hi Fawn,
I remember town meetings – when folks get together depending on group chemistry it can be an intimidating thing to behold. We had to go a to a few meetings, years ago when we were subdividing some property. It got a little ugly here and there.
Our neighbors have a few chickens and we all love them. The chickens actually help battle the tick problem, as they adore munching on those pesky and quite disgusting bugs…
Happy Tuesday.
am:)
LikeLike
I can see the potential for ugliness…we used to run into that at school board meetings when we would be advocating for raises for teachers, and the administrators and board were very confrontational. This was pretty mellow, except for the two ladies who spoke on the “con” side. It didn’t even sound like they were describing the same animals!
Happy Tuesday yourself – Fawn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fawn, we each seek our amusement in different ways, 🙂 Seriously though, I think it’s great you went to the Planning Commission meeting! What a great, hands-on way of getting involved and showing you care; more of us should attend these meetings, I think (I’m guilty, I don’t). And chickens are wonderful animals! We often eat at a place on Saturday mornings where chickens and hens run around and I just love watching them in action; they’re never mean or pushy; they just go about their business quietly.
LikeLike
I truly believe all citizens — as well as teens — should go to at least a few municipal meetings, just to get a feel for how our agencies work (or don’t). So many people think that some unnamed “they” will handle everything, not realizing that it is our responsibility to be part of that “they”. “We the people” and all that! Have a fabulous day, Deb – Fawn
LikeLike
Thanks, Fawn! And yes, I agree, “we” are “they.” 🙂
LikeLike
You can have your chickens, just don’t make me go to any town meetings! LOL!
LikeLike
Where’s your spirit of community adventure, Melody? Love, Me
LikeLike