After we were forced to rehome our hens due to the City’s interpretation of the zoning ordinance, I reached out to Congressman Jeff Van Drew for assistance. I am incredibly grateful that he took the time to meet with me and personally contacted Mayor Dan Dixon regarding the issue.

The Zoning Officer has now clarified that under the current ordinance, agriculture is not permitted in the MDR district and that a one-acre minimum lot size applies. While we respect that this is the ordinance as written, we believe it is outdated and does not reflect the needs of many responsible small flock owners in our community.

We are not seeking special treatment or a variance for one household. We respectfully ask the Mayor and City Commissioners to consider amending the ordinance to allow limited backyard hens in MDR districts under reasonable guidelines.

This issue now rests in the hands of local leadership, and we remain hopeful that they will modernize the policy for the betterment of the community and all Millville small flock owners.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this effort.