Backyard chicken case settled in Johns Creek

By Ralph Ellis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Johns Creek woman and the city government have settled a court battle over  backyard chickens.

Martha Mellon said she is giving away her dozen chickens and coop as part of a negotiated settlement. In exchange, the city will drop its citation against Mellon, city spokesman Bill Doughty said.

Code enforcement officers issued a citation Aug. 24 saying Mellon violated zoning ordinances by raising poultry within 200 feet of a neighboring property line. Mellon had said she located her coop to conform to city animal control ordinances.

The city said this is the first time a resident has gone to court over a backyard chicken case. Most cases are settled after warnings are issued.