We studied ordinances from Portland, Denver, Madison, Seattle, Boise, Fort Collins, and New York and used them to draft a proposed ordinance amendment regarding the keeping of chickens Salem residential zones. We believe that the keeping of chickens should be regulated, but we also believe it should be allowed, just as it is in many cities across the nation.

Since the Oregon Department of Agriculture does not consider pot-bellied pigs or poultry to be livestock and because pot-bellied pigs are already permitted in Salem residential zones, we think it makes sense to combine these two species by simply amending the current ordinance.

Therefore, we propose that under SRC Chapter 146, Section 030 Special Uses Permitted in the Residential Single Family (RS) District, Item #13 “Keeping of a Miniature Swine” be amended to read “Keeping of a Miniature Swine and Domestic Chickens” and that Chapter 119, Section 070 “Keeping of Miniature Swine” be amended to include the following:

KEEPING OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS

(a) Single family residences within the City of Salem shall be permitted to keep up to five hens without a permit. A permit issued by the City is required to keep more than 5 hens. Such permit shall be applied for within 30 days of acquiring the chickens and will require a one-time application fee of $25.

(b) Roosters are strictly prohibited in the city.

(c) Fowl may not be kept in front yards where they can be easily seen from the street.

(d) Selling, breeding, or raising chickens for meat is prohibited.

(e) Chickens must be kept in an enclosure at all times and have access to shelter from the rain. It shall be unlawful for any person to allow any fowl owned by him or her to escape or roam at large.

(f) Feed will be secured in a manner that will prevent access by rodents or other pests.

(g) Any coop, pen, or other enclosure in which fowl are kept must be at least 25 feet from any residential structure on adjacent property.