The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, which would allow for the keeping of chickens and ducks in the City by license.
And by now, our friends and neighbors have had time to think about what pullet proliferation might bring to our neighborhoods, good or bad. We now hope to smooth a good number of ruffled feathers. The Planning Commission’s agenda packet will be posted on the City website. This packet will contain the draft ordinance allowing chickens and ducks.
In short, the animals will be controlled by a three-point approach: permits, licensing, and enforcement. First, a person must get a zoning permit. In some cases, this will require the Planning Commission’s approval, and in all cases, animals must be kept in a safe enclosure.
Then, they must get a license from the Clerk’s office, which is good for one year. Each license can be renewed on an annual basis. Finally, the person must not cause any public nuisances or commit any zoning violations due to the animals. If they do, the license cannot be renewed, and the person will not be able to keep the animals anymore. The draft also sets guidelines for health, safety, & sanitation, and for enclosures. Roosters will not be allowed, nor will commercial slaughter or egg sales from home flocks be allowed.
On ducks, the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a popular domestic species, but it has become a problem in warmer regions. Because of this, the USFWS listed the ducks as invasive and restricts their sale and transfer. With that in mind, Muscovies will not be allowed.
If you want to share any remaining comments or concerns after reviewing the draft ordinance, please attend the meeting. If you are unable to make it, please submit your comments or concerns by writing to the Commission via the Planning & Zoning Department. And as a reminder, phone calls can’t be entered in the record, so please stick to either of the other two options. Again, thank you for participating. Escanaba does better when we act together.
Escanaba Planning Commission
PO Box 948
Escanaba, MI 49829
www.escanaba.org/bc-pc
Comments