This is a zone change that will amend Sections 27-305, 27-306 and 27-607 of the Billings, Montana, City Code (BMCC) to allow the keeping of chickens within the city limits. A separate ordinance will amend the Animal Control regulations to set limits on the number of chickens and how they may be kept on residential property. The Animal Control Division will handle permitting and enforcement of those provisions. The keeping of livestock and fowl, including poultry, is currently not an allowed use within the City of Billings. The current code requires consultation of 3 sections of the code to determine whether poultry is an allowed or prohibited use. The proposed amendment will allow the keeping of poultry but not allow the keeping of other fowl (ducks, geese, turkeys, etc.) or livestock. The City Council initiated this amendment on May 14, 2012. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on July 3, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of denial on a 3 to 0 vote. The City Council conducted the public hearing on July 23, 2012. The City Council voted to delay action on the amendment until August 27, 2012, so the Animal Control ordinance could be drafted and scheduled for public hearing. The City Council approved the zone change on August 27, 2012.

The City Council may:
1. Approve the zone change
2. Deny the zone change
3. Allow withdrawal of the zone change
4. Delay action for up to thirty (30) days

There should be no direct financial impact from the proposed amendment.

The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on July 3, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of denial on a 3 to 0 vote.