In 2019 the state passed a law (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0604/Sections/0604.71.html that encourages edible plants/crops and native plants in front yards, in an effort to help folks that want to lessen the burden on the environment and city services like roads, stormwater and energy waste/carbon emissions.

Section 4-6 of the DeLand Code of Ordinances specifically prohibits keeping chickens on residential property within city limits. When this prohibition was passed, it was likely for noise or smell concerns and probably after the post-war era of victory gardens - and as the downtown areas became more cramped. Noise and smell issues can be managed/mitigated through code and with fines/individual bans. Having a blanket ban on all homesteads because of a few bad actors is simply unfair and juxtaposed with the spirit of American Liberty.

Backyard chickens  allow people to use the manure to create compost and folks are able to feed chickens table scraps - in return they're gifted fresh local eggs that have little to no risk of salmonella present in all factory farm eggs. Eggs can be shared with neighbors and friends!

In the spirit of sustainability and in an effort to find creative solutions to feed our families during record inflation and fuel costs it would be a good time to revisit this ordinance. I propose updating the code as follows. The city can modify based on public input:

- Allow up to 10 hens (no roosters) to be kept on residential parcels of 1/4 acre or larger inside city limits.
-Coop and run must be screened from the neighbor’s view, cannot be in the front yard and must comply with all setbacks.
-Feed needs to be stored in a rodent-proof container.
-Chickens must be in the coop from dusk until dawn.
-Coops need to be kept clean. Chickens can’t become a nuisance due to odor, noise or pests.  Flies and other insects need to be controlled in accordance with Health Department regulations.
-Coops should be made safe from predators such as raccoons through the use of poultry netting or hardware cloth to include a 2' skirt around the base of the coop to prevent tunneling.
-Chickens need to be contained by a fence at all times to prevent them from entering neighboring property.