The Escanaba Planning Commission held a public hearing on an amendment to exisiting city ordiances that would allow chickens and ducks to be kept on private property under new zoning rules. This draft proposal was first brought up in October, and after tabling the issue to give city staff more time to come up with a proposal, that proposal is now ready to be discussed at the Escanaba Planning Commission meeting on November 9th at 6 p.m.
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 with the Planning Commission’s approval. In all cases, animals must be kept in a safe enclosure.
Second, a oneyear license must be secured from the Clerk’s office, which may be renewed annually.
And third, 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. Roosters will not be allowed, nor will commercial slaughter or egg sales from home flocks be allowed.
The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is listed as an invasive species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which 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 new draft ordinance, please attend the meeting next week.
If you are unable to make it, please submit your comments in writing to the Planning Commission via the PO Box listed in the letterhead above. And as a reminder, phone calls can’t be entered in the record, so please stick to the other two options.
Comments