Wednesday, Mar. 03, 2010

Hen push comes to Holly Springs

Fight for backyard chickens considered by town council.

Holly Springs is the latest Wake County town to consider allowing hens on residential property.

At a Town Council meeting last month, Holly Springs resident Ken Webster made his case for having backyard hens: They make tasty eggs, provide organic fertilizer, kill insects and make for fun - and educational - pets.

Councilwoman Linda Hunt Williams has been surveying nearly 500 residents on the issue, and seems to support backyard hens.

"I may be the lone bird on this one," Williams said. "But I think having four hens is fine.

"To tell residents they can't have four hens might be overstepping it," she said.

Town Council was to have discussed the matter on Tuesday, after press time.

Town staff has recommended that Town Council not change the existing ordinance, which restricts hens to areas zoned for agricultural purposes.

Staff cite concerns about increased call volume to animal control, noise and smell complaints from adjacent landowners, difficulty regulating the appearance of coops and pens and limited residential lot sizes.

Any change to the ordinance would require a three-vote majority of the council, with the mayor weighing-in if there's a tie.

"I have nothing against these animals, but as far as these animals living in town - I might," Mayor Dick Sears said. "... If we allow chickens, why not pot belly pigs? I have a little problem with hens being referred to as pets."