Allow Baltimore County Residents to Own Chickens or Ducks on Small Properties

The Issue

As residents of Baltimore county dealing with the escalating prices of food and eggs, we believe in the right to self-sustainability. We are living on properties smaller than one acre single family houses, but we firmly believe that this should not be a barrier to owning at least two chickens or ducks. All Baltimore County residents should have the option to raise their own poultry as long as they have a secure fenced in yard. Our motivation stems from the increased challenge to affordably source healthy food amidst rising costs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of eggs in stores has increased significantly and continues to follow this trend. So, why shouldn't we have the right to produce our own meat and eggs?

Naturally, we understand and respect the importance of maintaining public health and cleanliness standards. Therefore, we propose that poultry be allowed only as long as they are kept in enclosed fenced coops/runs that meet the county’s current regulations,   keeping coops clean, making sure they are not a nuisance like going into neighbors properties, and no roosters. Such small-scale poultry farming will not only provide healthy and fresh produce for families, but it also teaches responsibility and offers a valuable educational opportunity for children to learn about sustainable living.

We need these rules to change to accommodate the present needs of the residents. Let's stand together to have our voices heard. Please sign this petition to support the rights of Baltimore county residents to own chickens or ducks on small properties.

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The Issue

As residents of Baltimore county dealing with the escalating prices of food and eggs, we believe in the right to self-sustainability. We are living on properties smaller than one acre single family houses, but we firmly believe that this should not be a barrier to owning at least two chickens or ducks. All Baltimore County residents should have the option to raise their own poultry as long as they have a secure fenced in yard. Our motivation stems from the increased challenge to affordably source healthy food amidst rising costs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of eggs in stores has increased significantly and continues to follow this trend. So, why shouldn't we have the right to produce our own meat and eggs?

Naturally, we understand and respect the importance of maintaining public health and cleanliness standards. Therefore, we propose that poultry be allowed only as long as they are kept in enclosed fenced coops/runs that meet the county’s current regulations,   keeping coops clean, making sure they are not a nuisance like going into neighbors properties, and no roosters. Such small-scale poultry farming will not only provide healthy and fresh produce for families, but it also teaches responsibility and offers a valuable educational opportunity for children to learn about sustainable living.

We need these rules to change to accommodate the present needs of the residents. Let's stand together to have our voices heard. Please sign this petition to support the rights of Baltimore county residents to own chickens or ducks on small properties.

The Decision Makers

Baltimore County Council
4 Members
David Marks
Baltimore County Council - District 5
Wade Kach
Baltimore County Council - District 3
Julian Jones
Baltimore County Council - District 4
John Olszewski
Former Baltimore County Executive
U.S. Senate
2 Members
Chris Van Hollen
U.S. Senate - Maryland
Angela Alsobrooks
U.S. Senate - Maryland
Mike Ertel
Mike Ertel
Former Baltimore County Council Member
Pat Young
Pat Young
Baltimore County Council - District 1

Supporter Voices

Petition updates