St. Cloud Planning Commission Public Hearing on Backyard Chicken Flocks Scheduled Tuesday

(KNSI) – A great chicken debate is about to have St. Cloud clucking, and it has nothing to do with whether you prefer white or dark meat.

The planning commission will hold a public hearing on whether to recommend allowing backyard poultry flocks within the city at Tuesday’s meeting. It’s the first time it has taken up the issue in a decade.

There are significant restrictions on which lots could have them. It would apply only to single-family homes sitting on an acre or more. That would rule out a vast majority of the properties located in the city.

The proposed ordinance would allow for up to 10 total domestic animals. Complicating the equation is a limit of four hens and no roosters.

Permits would be required to be issued from the health director. Approval could only be granted after a physical inspection of where the birds would be housed.

The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday inside council chambers at city hall.

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