The proposed ordinance establishes rules for keeping chicken hens within the city. Council approved the first reading of the ordinance on August 27 and will now consider approving it on second and final reading.

The City Council may approve or not approve the ordinance. Approval establishes standards for keeping chicken hens within the city. Assuming that the zoning code amendments pass that allow the land use, disapproval of this ordinance will allow chicken hens without the limitations on number, gender, housing, etc. and enforcement of any of those elements would be difficult or impossible.

The financial impact will be minimal with a slight revenue increase for fees to be charged for permits allowing chickens.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve second reading of the Ordinance amending the Animal Control Code that regulates keeping chicken hens within the City of Billings.