Petition to Allow Properly Regulated Backyard Hens in the Village of Canastota
To the Village of Canastota Mayor, Board of Trustees, and Village Officials:

We, the undersigned residents and community members, respectfully ask the Village of Canastota to consider adopting reasonable regulations that would allow residents to keep a limited number of backyard hens on residential properties.

Many families are interested in keeping a small flock for fresh eggs, food production, education, and enjoyment. Allowing a limited number of hens does not mean allowing unrestricted poultry keeping. A clear set of regulations can address legitimate neighborhood concerns while allowing responsible residents this opportunity.

There is already a local example of a regulated approach. The Town of Lenox adopted Local Law No. 5 of 2023, Article IV, “Harboring of Hens,” §§ 38-22 through 38-28. The law establishes a permitting system and rules concerning the number of hens, prohibited roosters, proper housing and runs, sanitation, feed storage, manure management, and enforcement.

We believe Canastota could consider a similar approach tailored to the Village's residential neighborhoods.

We respectfully ask the Village to consider regulations that could include:
Allowing a limited number of hens per residential property.
Requiring a permit or registration.
Prohibiting roosters in residential areas.
Requiring secure, sanitary coops and enclosed runs.
Establishing reasonable setbacks from neighboring properties.
Requiring proper storage of feed to discourage rodents and other pests.
Requiring responsible handling and disposal of manure.
Establishing reasonable noise, odor, sanitation, and property-maintenance standards.
Providing a complaint and enforcement process for violations.
The Town of Lenox has demonstrated that backyard hens can be addressed through specific rules and safeguards rather than an outright prohibition.

We are asking the Village of Canastota to review the issue, consider the Town of Lenox's approach, and give residents an opportunity to participate in a public discussion about responsibly allowing backyard hens within the Village.

We support giving responsible Canastota residents the opportunity to keep a small number of hens under reasonable and enforceable regulations.

Petition Signatures
Name
Canastota Address
Signature
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contact person: ______________________________

Phone/Email: _________________________________

Date submitted: ______________________________

Reference: Town of Lenox, Local Law No. 5 of 2023, Article IV — Harboring of Hens, §§ 38-22 through 38-28.