Rules regulating backyard chickens on less than two acres were eased Tuesday by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
During Tuesday’s second public hearing, several residents expressed concerns about the fees and even regulating chickens at all since HOA covenants would restrict them in most places.
The commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of Commissioner Bob Weatherford’s motion to strike a provision that potential owners of backyard chickens must contact adjoining property owners by certified mail - instead just by regular mail.
Also, he proposed that those wanting to own backyard chickens pay reduced fees of $75 for an initial fee, instead of $150, and $50 for a renewal fee every two years instead of $100.
Requests for backyard chickens will come to the county commissioners for final decisions instead of first having to be heard by the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
Opposed was Commissioner Bob Ott.
More regulations for chickens would involve:
- One hen, no roosters, would be allowed for each 5,000 square feet of lot area.
- Coops or fenced areas have to be behind the house at least 30 feet from any property line instead of the current 10 feet.
- Owners must eliminate odors, pollution, noise, insects, rodents and other wild animals.
- On-site slaughter is prohibited.
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