Batavia to continue discussion on backyard chickens

If Batavia allows people to raise chickens in their backyards, it may require them to register with the city and agree to city inspections, according to a proposal before city officials.

The city services committee will resume discussions on the matter at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave.

Earlier this month, more than 50 people attended a committee meeting to speak for and against backyard poultry farming. More spoke in favor than against. Two Batavia residents requested a change in Batavia law last year.

The committee had asked city staff to find out what other towns required for coop setback from lot lines and buildings. At the urging of at least one speaker, it asked for information on the amount of square feet per chicken to require for optimal chicken health. According to a staff report, there is no consensus on required square footage, and setbacks vary from 3 feet to 50 feet, some from the lot line and some from buildings.

The report can be read online at cityofbatavia.net.