Environmental Commission Says ‘Yes’ To Chickens in Golden Valley

For months, Golden Valley city staff have deliberated about whether or not to allow residents to keep chickens on their properties.

After collecting research and speaking to stakeholders and experts in the community, on Tuesday, Mar. 12, the Golden Valley Environmental Commission made a recommendation to the City Council to amend city code to allow people to keep hens on residential property.

According to the council agenda packet, four of the commissioners voted to amend the city code, while three voted against the recommendation.

The recommendation comes after members spoke with Golden Valley Police Chief Stacy Carlson, housing experts, Animal Humane Society employees, officials from the Department of Natural Resources and people both for and against “urban farming.”

In a summary to the council, commission members said that they feel that the ordinance revisions can “be crafted carefully so as to protect the rights of property owners who are adjacent to those who desire to keep chickens, while also protecting the individual property rights of those who wish to raise hens on their property.”

While the commission listed many positive benefits to owning chickens, they also acknowledged that disposal of old chickens, the potential impact on neighbors and staff time needed to review permits could cause issues.

“In order for this to be a successful ordinance, the City will need to allocate appropriate staff time to facilitate the fair and safe harboring of these animals,” commissioners said in documents. 

Golden Valley Patch will update this article when we know next steps designated by the City Council.

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Related articles:

• Environmental Commission Reviews Chicken Ordinance
• Chickens in Golden Valley?