Part 1: Richmond Heights Chicken Debate Ruffles Feathers

When a conscientious Richmond Heights resident discovered his urban chickens required a permit, he requested one from . No one had ever asked for a chicken permit before. In response, City Hall issued a temporary permit containing restrictions that have backyard chicken proponents crying fowl.

The temporary permit limits the total number of chickens to three and requires the construction of a privacy fence.

“The limitations that are being discussed are draconian and would make it impossible for an average family to keep chickens,” said Rochelle Skolnick, an attorney who lives in Richmond Heights and wants to keep chickens.

“The privacy fence requirement would leave out any family that’s having a hard time economically or just can’t afford to put up what ends up being a multi-thousand-dollar fence,” Skolnick said. “The requirements imposed by Richmond Heights are the least hospitable of any community in the area.”

Linda Haynes Lieb of the nonprofit concurs.

“We want to raise the chicken limit from three to 10,” Lieb said. “Many cities have no limits at all. No other cities require a privacy fence. Clayton doesn't even have a permit, so we don't know how many people are doing it there.”

At least two communities are more restrictive. Likewise, Brentwood does not allow chickens.

Lieb, an accountant and self-described spreadsheet geek, has prepared a chart detailing the backyard chicken policies of towns surrounding Richmond Heights, including the Missouri towns of Clayton, Ladue, Maplewood, Rock Hill, University City, Webster Groves and St. Louis City, all of which allow chickens to varying degrees.

The chart details each city's requirements and how many complaints have been filed. A copy of the spreadsheet is attached to this article.

Richmond Heights City Council member Michael Jones said that he's not against urban chickens but that as a council member, he must consider each person's concerns.

“I don't have a problem with people raising chickens, but what size coop is required?” Jones said. “How many chickens should be allowed? We've been receiving emails from residents on both sides of the issue. We're investigating the claims on both sides.”

The primary concerns expressed by residents include noise level; smell from waste; the practice of butchering; the attraction of predatory animals; the attraction pests such as mice and rats; the lowering of neighboring property values; and the potential for salmonella.

Jones said there is a St. Louis County ordinance against throwing table scraps and birdseed, and he said his calls to several butchers found none who would butcher backyard chickens. Jones also said a Washington University professor told him salmonella is a real concern.

Proponents say there are benefits to raising backyard chickens:

• Their eggs are more nutritious and more economical than others.
• Chickens eat table scraps and pests such as ticks, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.
• Chickens reduce food waste that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
• Raising chickens can be a fun and educational activity for children.

As for sound concerns, they say, a group of 10 chickens can produce noise at a level slightly higher than normal human conversation. The noise issue generally comes from roosters, which are not being considered or requested in Richmond Heights.

Supporters further say that a backyard flock produces no more waste than a dog and that the waste created is compostable and makes excellent fertilizer.

And Skolnick said there is no evidence to support the claim that neighboring property values are lowered.

City Council is expected to discuss the issue at its Monday meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1330 S. Big Bend Boulevard. The final details of the ordinance are expected to determined in August.

“At this point, no one is sure what the ordinance will say,” Lieb said.

Jones, the Richmond Heights councilman, encouraged residents to be a part of the upcoming discussion.

“If people are afraid of whatever, they should come to the next meeting,” Jones said. “Everybody is trying to put their two cents in. If you want to be heard, now is the time.”

In Part 2 of this series on Wednesday, Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch visits chicken owners in Clayton and University City to scratch at the issues surrounding the keeping of backyard chickens.