Backyard chickens now legal in Lafayette, after slim 5-4 council vote

But with a one-year sunset clause in new ordinance, city council members warn that complaints between now and 2026 could have them reversing course

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BACKYARD CHICKENS NOW LEGAL IN LAFAYETTE, AFTER SLIM 5-4 COUNCIL VOTE

A sharply divided city council narrowly voted Tuesday to clear the way for Lafayette residents to keep hens in the city limits, after a push by fans of backyard chickens found traction after decades of stymied attempts.

But with a 5-4 vote – one featuring one council member changing sides forcing a tie-breaker cast by the council president – and a one-year sunset clause written into the approved ordinance, the backyard chicken concept remains on a short leash until the council votes on it again in 2026.

(Photo: Unsplash)

“I'm still going to support it, but my antennas will be up,” council member Kevin Klinker said after nearly an hour of public comment ahead of the council vote.

“And if this sunset comes around and we're hearing a lot of complaints, I will definitely be changing to no,” Klinker said. “Because, personally, I stood in my backyard today and looked at both sides and thought, I really don't want chickens next to me for the reasons a lot of people gave tonight.”

The proposal – floated this time in February by backers promoting the benefits of getting eggs from the source, among others – will allow homeowners to keep up to five hens under a series of restrictions on coop and pen sizes, distance from lot lines and neighboring residences and a permitting system would have owners band their chickens. Until now, chickens were listed among livestock not allowed to be kept and raised in the city.

The dividing lines Tuesday played out in public comment that was nearly evenly split.