(11/12) In response to requests from several members of the town to allow chickens in town, a public forum will be held in January to hear public input on the acceptance of changing regulations to the town code that currently prohibits the owning of chickens within the town limits.
The Town Council initially settled for a December public hearing but changed the date to January as to not interfere with holidays and allow notice of the meeting to go out with the town’s water bills.
Burgess Heath Barnes said if the council approved the proposal, it is not something that could change overnight. It will then need to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission, where the rules governing what is and isn’t allowed, such as allowing roosters, will have to be established. "Once it is in the town code, it is not something we can just go in and change. There are a lot of steps that need to take place first," Barnes explained.
Woodsboro’s ordinance banning chickens has been in place since the town’s original code conception in the 1970’s.
Meghan Eullano, a proponent of the change, noted a growing desire for self-reliance on eggs, as well as the value in teaching children responsibility by taking care of chickens and enjoying the pleasure of having chickens as pets.
As Woodsboro is a rural, agricultural area, Euliano suggested looking at neighboring municipalities, such as Emmitsburg & Thurmont, and limit ownership to perhaps five or six chickens per property.
Chickens in other municipalities often need certain square foot lot sizes and distancing requirements, which may be tricky with Woodsboro’s limited lot sizes, Barnes said.
In August 2021, the Town of Emmitsburg amended its animal ordinance to allow a maximum of six chickens in backyard coops. This ordinance closely matches the Frederick County and Fredrick City's Animal Code.
The Thurmont Town Council, which recently updated their livestock enforcement regulations due to resident complaints of smell and noise, is also reviewing developing specific regulations governing the owning of chickens in town.
Barnes said the town would reach out to other municipalities in regard to their regulations and guidelines on chicken ownership, the results of which will be presented to residents at the public meeting.
Town residents looking to voice opinions on local poultry are encouraged to attend the Town Council’s January 10 meeting.
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