BATTLE CREEK (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Battle Creek may be modifying its urban agriculture ordinance to allow a limited number of residents to raise chickens, at least on an interim basis to see if there are any problems.
The latest draft would allow hens, but roosters, goats, bees, and rabbits would still be prohibited.
The city would issue 20 licenses in the first year, which will give staff an opportunity to gauge demand and evaluate and monitor the licensees.
There are also limits on the number of hens, the placement of chicken coops and other regulations that would have to be followed.
Staff would evaluate the changes after a year and recommend whether it should be tweaked overhauled, eliminated or expanded.
The draft ordinance is available for review at the City’s website.
It will be introduced on April 17th and if the Commission decides to consider the changes a public hearing would be set.
