Troy resident requests permission to add four hens to property

(Photo by Catrina Rawson of FarmWeek)

By Charles Bolinger

Editor • Troy resident Jarrod Mayes has a fowl idea that may ruffle a few of his neighbors’ feathers; he requested a special-use permit to keep four hens on a two-acre parcel in the 400 block of Troy Avenue. 

A public hearing on the matter took place on June 11 before the city’s planning commission.

“Livestock in our ordinance says they have to be two acres or more and they are right at two acres,” said Ann Byrd, director of building and zoning. “They have met all of the requirements – they are at two acres; they have laid out their coop; they have done their special-use; they have shown where the chickens will be located; they provided the 16-square-feet of run; they are limiting their chickens to four; and they have contacted all of their neighbors.”

Mayers’ request appears to meet all of the conditions under the city’s current livestock ordinance, which allows hens as an exception. The site where they would be located is southwest of downtown Troy and is zoned residential.

Mrs. Mayers attended the meeting but she had nothing to add. Commissioner Eric Patton asked if they were limited to four hens. Byrd replied that the Mayers could legally add another hen but that five is the limit. No roosters are permitted under the city’s livestock ordinance.

The planning commission clucked its approval of the special-use permit knowing lots of eggs will be laid. The city’s planning commission is a recommending body. The Troy City Council heard this recommendation at its June 15 city council meeting and made a final determination.