I want to start by addressing a major need in the community. Plain Township's mission directly on your website says "Our goal is to enhance people's lives and the community they live in." 

I am deeply concerned about current zoning laws regarding chickens in the community. This many seem like a trivial issue to all of you, but that is far from the truth and what community members long for. This has been an ongoing issue based on my research. 

----Example is this article. 

https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/perry/2015/08/28/residents-push-for-plain-township/33619369007/ 

 

According to https://data.census.gov/ there are 24,198 housing units in Plain Township. The median lot size is 10,018 sq feet. An acre is clearly above this (43,560 sq feet).

Your zoning law clearly makes sustainability nearly impossible. 

My dear neighbors are part of a community. 40th Street members all have benefited from chickens on the property next door to me. The chicken coop made by hand was made with love and very well kept, clean, and the chickens are healthy. Eggs are given to feed families on the street. Our food system is expensive for quality products. You are taking that away from us. Not only are you taking that away for us, but for other residents in Plain Township. We have a right to grow our own food, just like gardening. 

Not only are chickens sustainable, ownership has mental health benefits. The routine of caring for chickens offers a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be particularly beneficial for mental well-being. I don't have to list facts of mental health issues in our county, I think that speaks for itself.....Studies have shown that pet ownership, including chickens, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.    

I'm not sure if any of you have children, but to see your child feed animals and laugh and seeing them smile, brings complete joy to a parent's heart. There are just so many benefits. 

There are several benefits to raising chickens, including: 

·         Pest control: Chickens eat insects and other small animals that can harm plants. They can help reduce flies and gnats around manure piles, and can be let into gardens to remove pests. 

·         Fertilizer: Chicken manure is a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer that can help gardens grow. It can also be added to compost to give it extra nutrients. 

·         Education: Raising chickens can teach children and adults about where their food comes from, and can help them learn about sustainability, responsibility, and animal welfare. 

·         Waste reduction: Chickens can help eliminate scraps. 

·         Fresh eggs: Chickens can provide fresh eggs. 

·         Environmental benefits: Chickens can help eliminate the need for toxic chemicals in gardens, such as synthetic chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. 

 

Here are some chicken laws in Canton City, Ohio: 

·         Permits: A permit is required to keep chickens in Canton, and permits are not issued for roosters. Permit applications are available from the City Clerk's office. 

·         Number of chickens: A permit is not issued for more than six hens on any property. 

·         Enclosure: Chickens must be kept in a secure enclosure that is clean and well-drained. The enclosure should be no more than 18 square feet and should be regularly cleaned. 

·         Distance from other properties: Chickens must be kept at least 50 feet away from any residence and at least 20 feet away from any property line. 

·         Use: Chickens must be kept for personal or household use, not for commercial use. 

·         Feed storage: Chicken feed must be stored in rodent-proof containers. 

·         Feeding: Chickens should not be fed in a way that attracts rodents, such as on the ground. 

How is this fair? Explain WHY we can't have clean, well kept chickens in our community? 

 

This is directly from an article 'Canton Daily Ledger'

"Wright said in a phone interview Wednesday he wanted the opportunity to live a “self-sustaining” lifestyle, similar to Wilkinson.

“You shouldn’t have to live in the country to live that lifestyle,” he said.

He added he wasn’t concerned about odors or predators, especially if chickens are kept in a coop or pen. That was one of the original regulations he suggested, which also included requiring an annual permit and regular inspections."

I am deeply concerned about the negative impact of the current laws. I urge you to consider the voices of community members and take action to protect their well-being.