Gwinnett County's urban farmers will be able to keep bees in their yards, but for now, they'll have to keep buying their eggs.
County commissioners approved a provision that would allow people to raise at least two beehives, but tabled a proposal that would have allowed backyard chickens. They will reconsider whether to allow chickens next month.
“You have the opportunity to leave here as heroes to the beekeeping community in Gwinnett County,” said Derrick Fowler, president of the Beekeeper’s Club of Gwinnett County, before the vote. “We act as stewards to the honey bee that’s in trouble.”
Homes can have two beehives per 10,000-square-foot lot. Carol Hassell, a Suwanee resident, said the approval of beekeeping “has got to be considered to be good news.” Last year, the commission had restricted beekeeping to residents that lived in agricultural areas.
Backyard chickens, though, faced more opposition from residents who were afraid that the hens might escape, or that residents would let their birds loose. They spoke out against the potential for noise and said they didn’t want the smell next door.
“I don’t want to infringe on someone else’s ability to enjoy their property, but I don’t want mine infringed on either,” said Jill Bynum. “Chicken waste does not smell good.”
The proposed rule would only allow hens, and only as pets and for egg production. A resident with a 10,000-square-foot lot could have three chickens, while one with between 25,000 and 39,999 square feet could have 10. Those who were opposed to the proposal questioned how well the chickens would be contained, who could capture them if they escaped and how next-door hens would affect their resale value.
Some residents in the south end of the county said that they had been bothered for years by feral chickens. Commissioner Tommy Hunter said he understood the frustrations of those residents, but that those chickens were not domestic and had no relation to the chickens that could be allowed.
Hunter said he brings eggs to incubate to fifth-grade classes so children can see the process. He grew up with chickens. “We always had them, and we never thought much of it,” he said.
Hassell and others who were in favor of hens said raising chickens allows people to be closer to their food and to teach their children about where their food comes from. Her four hens do not smell, she said.
“These are wholesome trends we should be doing everything in our power to encourage,” Hassell said.
Commissioners will reconsider whether to allow chickens at their meeting July 21.
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