We, the residents of West Seneca, respectfully ask the Town Board and Town Supervisor Gary Dickson to correct and modernize the Town’s outdated and confusing rules on backyard hens.

The written zoning code lists chickens only under the R-100A district. There is no prohibition written anywhere in R-50 or any other residential zone. Zoning districts stand alone, and a resident cannot be expected to search a less restrictive zone to find rules that supposedly govern their own property. This creates a lack of notice, inconsistent enforcement, and a void-for-vagueness problem.

The December 2, 2024 Town Board minutes do not show any vote or discussion establishing a town-wide ban. In fact, those minutes explicitly state that Code Enforcement will review new chicken applications in other residential zones, including R-50. Yet in May 2025, residents attempting to follow that process were denied without explanation.

Surrounding towns — including Orchard Park, Hamburg, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Buffalo — all allow backyard hens without a 2-acre requirement. Hens are safe, quiet, and clean when properly cared for. They support food security, sustainability, and hands-on education for families. At a time of rising food prices and SNAP disruptions, many families rely on hens to help provide fresh eggs.

We ask the West Seneca Town Board to:

Correct and clarify the written code so residents in each zoning district know their actual rights.
Restore the application process for residents in R-50 and all other residential zones.
Adopt a modern, evidence-based policy that aligns with agricultural best practices and surrounding towns.

West Seneca families deserve clear rules, fair enforcement, and the ability to responsibly raise backyard hens.

We urge the Town Board to take action and update this ordinance.