News Summary
Greenwood County has passed a new ordinance allowing residents to keep chickens in their backyards, significantly reducing previous restrictions. The council unanimously approved the measure to address community concerns about outdated regulations that required large residential lots for chicken ownership. The new guidelines permit up to six hens per household and prohibit roosters, promoting a balanced approach to backyard poultry while ensuring neighborhood harmony. The ordinance reflects a growing trend of incorporating sustainable practices in suburban living.
Greenwood County has officially made it easier for residents to own chickens in their backyards by passing a new ordinance aimed at reducing previous restrictions. The Greenwood County Council approved this measure unanimously, responding to community concerns regarding the existing regulations governing chicken ownership in residential areas.
Under the previous ordinance, residents were required to reside on a residential lot with a minimum size of three acres to keep chickens. This regulation led to confusion and frustration among residents, particularly in light of the fact that the minimum lot size for a house in the area is just 15,000 square feet. The stark contrast between the space requirements for residential living and chicken ownership prompted concerns from the community.
Carol Coleman, the Planning Director of Greenwood County, highlighted the inconsistency between how space is allocated for people versus chickens in residential zoning laws. This realization prompted the council to revisit the ordinance, ultimately leading to the approval of the newly revised regulations.
New Ordinance Guidelines
The newly approved regulations allow residents to keep chickens in their rear yards, easing the previous restrictions significantly. The ordinance stipulates that chickens must be housed in a designated structure that is at least 10 feet away from the property line. This distance aims to minimize any potential disturbances to neighbors, promoting a harmonious community living environment.
Moreover, the ordinance imposes a cap of six hens per household. Importantly, the new measures also prohibit the keeping of roosters, which are often associated with noise complaints and can be disruptive in suburban settings. These limitations have been introduced to cater to both chicken owners and the general community, balancing interest in backyard poultry with the peace and quiet expected in residential neighborhoods.
Community Response
The council’s decision to ease restrictions on chicken ownership has garnered positive reactions from the community. Many residents expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to raise chickens, citing benefits such as fresh eggs and the enjoyment of backyard farming. This shift in the ordinance reflects a growing trend among urban and suburban dwellers who seek to incorporate more sustainable practices into their daily lives.
Background Context
Chicken ownership has been an increasingly popular topic as more individuals show interest in local food sourcing and self-sufficiency. The trend has spread across many urban and suburban areas in the United States, where residents look for ways to enhance their quality of life without compromising on neighborhood standards. The earlier constraints on chicken ownership were viewed as outdated by many, which added urgency for the Greenwood County Council to take action.
The decision made by the Greenwood County Council reflects a significant shift in community attitudes towards urban agriculture and local food production. By removing large lot restrictions and allowing for backyard chickens, the council supports a growing movement that prioritizes the benefits of engaging with sustainable practices while ensuring residential harmony.
This new ordinance marks a progressive step toward adapting local regulations to meet modern values and lifestyles, fostering an environment where residents can enjoy the many advantages that come with being able to keep chickens in their yards.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood Co. Council Approves Ordinance for Chicken Ownership
- Wikipedia: Chicken Husbandry
- Index Journal: New Eateries Open in Greenwood County
- Google Search: Backyard Chickens
- Daily Camera: Bird Flu Cases Reported in Boulder County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chicken
- Fox Carolina: Audit on Upstate Town’s Water Loss
- Google News: Urban Farming
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
