Cecilia Lewis (ABOVE), 19 months at the time this picture was taken holds a chicken raised by their family and used in home-school lessons.(Contributed photo)
The Rome-Floyd County Planning Commission voted 5-3 Thursday to reject Christopher Lewis’ request for a special use permit to keep hens in his back yard for eggs and as a learning tool for his home-schooled children.
The issue of regulating poultry inside the city limits, however, will be on the planning commission’s January agenda for further discussion.
“The opposition could be local (to the Lewises) and the support citywide,” member Nathan Roberts said.
This is the second time the planning commission recommended denial of the Lewis case, but it’s become somewhat of a symbol for the growing urban poultry movement. Supporters and opponents have both weighed in with letters, calls and testimony.
It’s also the second time City Commissioners have decided against loosening restrictions on raising chickens in Rome. But recognizing that it’s happening anyway, they sent Lewis’ application back to the planning commission with instructions to see if adding conditions could make it more palatable.
Roberts argued that Lewis has since erected screen fencing on both sides of his yard and ensured the coops are kept at least 30 feet from his lot lines.
“He’s trying to be a good neighbor,” Roberts said.
But Frank Brown noted that the hens were established without the required special use permit, which was sought only after a complaint was filed.
“This came here because of the neighbors,” he said.
Roberts and members Charles Jackson and Christian Terry voted in favor of the permit. Brown and members Elaina Beeman, Joel Holcomb, Terry Jones and Ronnie Kilgo were against it.
City commissioners allowed Lewis to keep his hens until his application is decided — a public hearing is scheduled for the board’s Dec. 17 meeting — but placed a moratorium on new applications until the issue is settled.
During an informal discussion last month the elected board indicated it would not support an automatic permitting process.
The appointed planning commission is expected to consider beefing up regulations governing special use permits and further limiting the zoning districts or lot sizes where poultry could be allowed.
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This is a neighborhood. If this young purple intended on having chickens, maybe they should have looked into buying a house in the county. I commend them for the way they have peacefully looked for a resolution and the way the followed the proper channels.
What I do not commend is people coming on here attacking the people who don't want the chickens in their neighborhood. This is an issue between neighbors. These people have chosen to go the the City Government to resolve their dispute. The City Government is elected by us. If you do not like the city government's decision, make our vote heard at the ballot box. But, I will say there are more pressing matters facing our city than chickens.
Thank you
I will second that "nuisance neighor" problems are much worse than a few chickens: For example,
-Four-wheelers are not street-legal vehicles and do not belong on city highways.
- Not everyone wants to hear your window-thumping, foul-mouthed rap and heavy metal music.
-My yard is not YOUR dog's toilet bowl. Keep the poop in your own yard!
I'd take a few chickens any day.
When I have a problem with my neighbor I go to him and work it out. Unfortunately 99% of the public will call the authorities before they will ever face their neighbor and risk confrontation.
For God's sake if these people are responsible let them keep a few chickens.
Side note: The Lewis Family has their name all over the internet and paper yet their cowardly neighbors do not have to undergo the same scrutinization.[spell check error}
I don't understand why we keep having these controversies over chickens in the city. I can understand objections to big commercial operations but where's the harm in a family having a few chickens for personal use?
I can think of dogs (and even a few cats) that have been bigger nuisances than these chickens probably are.
If I'm missing something, let me know.
Leave the freaking chickens alone!
I would advise you to MOVE out of the city. Hopefully, whoever purchases your house will be loud and trashy. (Nothing is ever done about those people.) Which would be only fitting for your Hycliff neighbors who wish to have your freedoms taken from you. There are massive amounts of property for sale right now in the county. Trust me, today, it's the chickens. Tomorrow, who knows what they'll want to take away ? MOVE !
I think the Lewis family is exercising their right to liberty and their PROPERTY RIGHTS.
If the City government wishes to continue this battle, I will be happy to oblige.