Update: The City of Costa Mesa has filed criminal charges under Municipal Code 3-13 against the owner of the Feed Barn for having chickens, despite the fact that the chickens were removed from the property.

City code includes a clear exemption for animal retailers under Section 3-15:

“The following persons are not required to obtain a special animal permit: owners of establishments licensed to keep animals for the purpose of resale, whose animals are kept on the premises of such establishment or other authorized place.”

In addition, the sale of chickens is protected under the Vested Rights Doctrine, a concept the City should be very familiar with. There is even a seminal local case on point: Goat Hill Tavern v. City of Costa Mesa (1992).

If you have not yet signed the petition, please reconsider. 

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The Feed Barn has been a beloved institution in the City of Costa Mesa since the 1940s. Generations of families have enjoyed visiting this unique spot, often finding joy in the simple pleasure of watching chickens roam. However, due to recent pressures from the city, this beloved attraction has been forced to remove its chickens, robbing the community of this cherished experience. 

The city has imposed excessive regulations on businesses like the Feed Barn that are striving to enhance their properties. These regulations have unfairly impacted our community landmark, making it increasingly difficult for small business owners to maintain their unique attractions. The removal of the chickens is just one example of how these policies negatively affect local enterprises and the vibrant culture they foster.

The chickens provided more than just a visual delight; they were an integral part of the environment that made visiting the Feed Barn a joyful and educational experience for families with children. These animals helped in creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere that drew locals and tourists alike, enriching our community’s quality of life.

We urge the City of Costa Mesa to reconsider its stance and collaborate with local business owners to develop reasonable, supportive measures that allow them to preserve unique elements like the Feed Barn’s chickens. By doing so, we can ensure that Costa Mesa remains a welcoming place that values both its history and its community’s needs.

Sign this petition to show that you support the revival of this tradition and ask our city officials to bring the chickens back to the Feed Barn. Together, we can preserve what makes Costa Mesa a special place to live and visit.