Watch CBS News

Boonsboro Votes Down Backyard Chicken Ordinance

BOONSBORO, Md. (AP) -- Backyard chicken fanciers won't be allowed to raise their birds in Boonsboro.

The Boonsboro Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night against a zoning change to allow up to three hens per lot in residential areas.

Town Planner Megan Clark told The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown that the issue came up in July after several residents expressed interest in raising chickens for eggs. The council introduced the ordinance that month, but other residents voiced opposition to it at a public hearing. One resident said the town could turn into a zoo. The council sided with opponents, voting 6-0 against the change.

Washington County allows chickens in agricultural and rural areas, and county officials say they often get calls from residents interested in raising chickens.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.