Note: There is another group on facebook (4 Virginia Beach Hens) who publicly will not support our initiative. However, this is not the case for us. Please educate yourself and support both as we are both focused on the same goal. Their next meeting is on April 26th, and more information may be obtained from their page on facebook. I am unable to provide more information as I have been banned from his page. 

We, "Organizing Efforts for VB Hens" firmly believe that the right to sustainable food and food security are two important issues we face in today’s society. While hens are allowed for agricultural zones within Virginia Beach city limits (along with Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk and Portsmouth), we oppose the ordinance that restricts ownership within residential zones of Virginia Beach. This petition is to express support in a zoning amendment that would allow Virginia Beach citizens the ability to own up to six (6) hens in residential zones.

By allowing residents to own hens, the following will be observed:

• Companionship: To put it simply, hens make great pets. Similar to those who own cats, dogs, mini pigs, or the common house bird, hens provide happiness and comfort to individuals. Hens are also social animals.
• Egg production: The eggs produced are organic in nature. These eggs can be made from hens on a diet of the owners choosing (i.e. vegetarian), and in an environment that is conducive to happy hens. Studies show that these hen`s eggs are healthier as well with less fat and cholesterol and more vitamin A, vitamin E, beta carotene, and omega-3s.
• Education: This is a great opportunity for children to learn about food sources and egg production. Children will understand better where their food comes from, and the work it takes to get food on the table. Should children be engaged in the caretaking of the family`s pets, they will additionally learn skills highlighting responsibility, dedication, and patience.
• Sustainable food source: With various issues and changing job markets, hens will produce food that will support a family in times of need with reduced reliance on the city or churches.
• Organic pest control (without pesticides): Hens will eat everything from mosquitos, ticks, ants, small snakes, mice, termites, flies, Japanese beetles, and the list goes on.
• Organic weed control (without poisons): Simply put, hens will pluck at, and eat weeds. They will additionally pluck at the higher blades of grass.
• Reduced kitchen waste: Hens will eat organic matter from the kitchen. Of course, “what” they eat should be conducive to their diet and healthy for them.
• Promotes self-to-environment initiatives: Caring for hens will get you, and your family outdoors! It is a great way to have fun with animals and become one with your environment. This can also promote great family outdoor time.
• Having hens can greatly assist in the reduced reliance on grocery stores during natural disasters and emergencies.
• Promotes self-sustainability

Regulation on living, space, enclosures, and use:

• Up to 6 hens: 6 hens should produce (depending on breed) between 28-35 eggs a week. This amount is enough to easily supply a single-family.
• Spacing regulations for enclosure: 2 ft.sq per chicken coup space, and 8 ft.sq per chicken run space.
• Predator-resistant enclosure.
• Covered portion of enclosure: To reduce overheating within the enclosure.
• Coop must be easily accessible, cleanable, and maintained.
• Owners must obtain a Permit/registration issued by the city annually.
• Annual Veterinarian visits required (similar to that of cats and dogs)
• Code enforcement authorized inspections and follow-up inspections as needed (with N days notice, or appointment between inspector and resident)
• Renters are required to obtain landlord permission for hens, which would be part of the permit/registration package.
• The sale of eggs will require a business permit from the city and must follow FDA guidelines.
• Disposal of hens must be through a veterinarian, farm or rescue. Disposal must be tracked and documented.

What is forbidden:

• Roosters: Roosters can be loud in the early hours of the day. Therefore, roosters will not be authorized.
• Raising hens with intent to sell.
• Hens as meat,