LISBON — Village council has passed the first reading of a proposed chicken ordinance that may allow some residents to keep the animals in their yards. The vote passed four to two, with Tom Darcy and Susan Temple voting no. Mayor Peter Wilson urged villagers to read the proposed ordinance and weigh in with council members. “This is not a final decision. It’s still under discussion,” Wilson said. “But for tonight, the first reading has passed.”

Councilwoman Dawn Thomas also asked people to read the ordinance and then reach out via email, listed on the village web page. “I want everyone to have a chance to read it. Please reach out and let us know what you think,” Thomas said. “There are two more readings in a 30 day period and I think that will give everybody a chance.”

Hard copies of the ordinance draft are available at village hall as well, said fiscal officer Tracey Wonner.

Details of the ordinance are as follows:

Chickens are any table egg breed of hen, no roosters or cockerel that crows.

Before getting any chickens on their property, a person must obtain a permit.

Property size: if larger than one acre no more than six chickens are allowed, smaller than an acre can have no more than two.

Chickens must be housed in a coop in the backyard of the property a minimum of 30 feet set back from the rear property line, a minimum of 25 feet set back from any side property and a minimum of 50 feet from any dwelling or other structure on the property.

Chickens must be at least 100 feet from any residence or dwelling other than the residence of the person maintaining the chickens.

Dwelling must be a permanent structure at least seven feet in height, allowing for adequate ventilation and light, containing ventilation windows covered in wire mesh at no less than one square foot for every ten square feet of floor space, with one nesting box for every two chickens.

Dwelling must be predator resistant with a solid, covered roof and provide at least two square feet of space per chicken and must have an enclosed run with five foot high fencing and buried at least one foot in the ground.

Chicken feed is stored in a reasonable airtight predator-resistant container that is closed except during feedings.

Chicken waste and deceased chickens must be disposed of properly, with waste in water tight containers disposed of weekly. Deceased chickens are to be cremated and not to be placed in a local refuse carrier.

The property owner gets seven days notice to remedy any issues or non-compliance, which will be posted in writing on the property for the first offense. Second offense, the owner will be fined $50 and get seven days to correct the issue. Third offense, the permit will be revoked and they will not be able to apply for another permit.

The next vote will be in two weeks at the council’s next meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 12.

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