Kathe Barsotti, Lorna Schmid and David Boldt, supporters of Hens for Herndon, were happy the town council resolution allowing more hens in the village was passed at the June 10 meeting. Photo by Reena Singh.
Up to four female chickens can now be kept on residential property in the town.
Hendon Town Council passed a resolution 4-3 to allow more hens to be maintained in residential zoning areas.
Previously, only one chicken could be kept on the property.
“We had several residents inquire about it,” Mayor Lisa Merkel said. “There’s been a big interest nationwide for sustainable living.”
The new resolution states that the run be enclosed with heavy hardwire fencing to protect the hens from predators and the waste must be disposed of in a way that it does not attract vermin. The run also cannot be closer than 15 feet away from the lot line.
Merkel said there were some residents who did not realize it was a zoning issue prior. She noted that while chickens are allowed in residential areas with a zoning inspection permit, a resolution in the past to allow goats in the village failed.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to reside peacefully with chickens in Herndon,” Merkel said.