In Warren County the ownership of Roosters are prohibited in a Residential one (R-1) zoning district. 
The purpose of this petition is to request an amendment to the existing regulation to allow responsible rooster ownership under reasonable conditions. Reasons for Amendment: Support for Local Agriculture: Allowing roosters can support small-scale farming and backyard poultry enthusiasts in Warren County. Flock Protection: Roosters alert the flock to danger with their crow, a loud crow can many times be enough to scare off smaller predators. They are the first line of defense against wild and domestic predators relentless in their pursuit to protect their hens. Dynamics: Part of the rooster's job is to help establish and maintain the pecking order of the flock. Social hierarchy reduces fighting between hens, keeps stress to a minimum,  and sustains the order of the entire flock. Meat production: For sustainable homesteads roosters can be a good source of meat as they mature faster than some hens and require less material and time to process. Community Interest: There is significant community interest in keeping roosters for various purposes including maintaining a special bond between people within the community. Responsible Ownership: Responsible rooster owners will be allowed 1 rooster on a minimum of 1 acre of land providing proper coop and pen placement & noise dampening structures (ie: chicken coop)   Proposed Regulations:  Distance Requirements: The property in which a rooster is allowed must total at least 1 acre. (e.g. if a property owner owns multiple adjacent lots totaling 1 or more acres) Distance requirements for coops with respect to property lines, dwellings, wells, ect remains the same as current limitations. Noise Restrictions: The rooster coop must be built of a reasonably noise dampening material, Roosters must have a curfew and be held within the coop between sunset to sunrise.  Permitting process: Owners are aware of and agree to comply with all current regulations. Enforcement: Same as current.   Noise Concerns? Transportation vehicles: cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, trains, police and emergency vehicles etc. Property maintenance and landscaping: Lawn mowers, Leaf Blowers, weed eaters, log splitters, chain saws, wood chippers, power washers, and other power equipment. Construction/ Renovation: Road work, demolition, power tools, hammering, sawing, and other power tools. Pets and Livestock: Dogs barking and howling, domestic birds and hens, outdoor cats, pigs, goats etc. Human: children, loud music, gatherings,and household tasks such as appliances. 
We, the undersigned residents of Warren County, urge the Warren County Commissioners to consider and approve an amendment to the rooster regulation, allowing responsible rooster ownership under proposed guidelines.