Chattanooga, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga City Council has approved the first reading of a new ordinance allowing residents to keep up to eight laying hens in their backyards. This significant change in city regulations comes after previous restrictions that limited chicken ownership to agricultural zones or properties over five acres. While supporters advocate for benefits like sustainability and direct access to fresh eggs, opponents express concerns over health risks and noise. A final vote on the ordinance is anticipated next week, with potential trial evaluations to assess its impacts.
Chattanooga City Council Approves First Reading of Backyard Hen Ordinance Allowing Residents to Keep Chickens
The Chattanooga City Council has passed the first reading of a backyard hen ordinance, allowing residents in single-family homes and other residential zones to keep up to eight laying hens on their property. The ordinance marks a significant shift in the city’s regulations concerning urban poultry, which previously required properties to be zoned for agriculture or to encompass more than five acres of land to legally house chickens.
Under the new guidelines, hens must be kept confined within a fenced enclosure located in the rear yard at all times. The vote was not without controversy; two council members, Marvene Noel and Jenni Berz, opposed the ordinance, with Noel attempting to amend the proposal to exclude her district from its applicability, which was ultimately unsuccessful. A final vote on the ordinance is expected next week.
Supporters of the ordinance are advocating for the benefits associated with keeping hens, including reduced food waste and increased sustainability, which aligns with the city’s broader eco-friendly objectives. Some residents favor the idea of having direct access to fresh eggs and fostering a connection to natural living. In contrast, opponents cite potential health hazards and noise issues related to chicken ownership as their primary concerns. The debate around the ordinance has illuminated larger questions regarding the fairness of regulations that vary across different neighborhoods.
This is not the first attempt to change the chicken ownership laws in Chattanooga. A similar proposal failed on a 6-3 vote in 2013. Proponents of the current measure, including council member Chip Henderson, argue that allowing backyard hens will reduce residents’ reliance on imported eggs. Notably, the ordinance may undergo a trial period, after which its impacts will be assessed to determine if further adjustments are necessary.
Additionally, council members acknowledged challenges related to animal control enforcement, particularly concerning reports of stray chickens within residential areas. Opposition voices, particularly from Noel, highlight concerns of being compelled into a system that many constituents do not support. Some council members reported mixed reactions from their own districts, reflecting a divide in opinion regarding urban poultry ownership.
If approved, the new ordinance will permit homeowners with less than two acres of property to legally keep hens, thereby expanding access to urban chicken arrangements across Chattanooga. As the council moves closer to finalizing the ordinance, city officials plan to evaluate its effectiveness and amend it based on community feedback and the observed consequences of allowing chickens in residential neighborhoods.
FAQ
What is the new backyard hen ordinance in Chattanooga?
The ordinance allows residents in specific residential areas to keep up to eight laying hens, provided they are kept in a fenced enclosure in the rear yard.
What are the concerns raised by opponents of the ordinance?
Opponents express worries about health hazards and noise issues related to keeping chickens in residential neighborhoods.
When will a final vote on the ordinance take place?
A final vote is scheduled for the following week after the first reading of the ordinance.
Is there a trial period for the new ordinance?
Yes, the ordinance may include a trial period to evaluate its impacts over the course of a year.
Key Features of the Backyard Hen Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Limit on Hens | Up to 8 laying hens per household |
| Location Requirements | Single-family residential lots and other residential zones |
| Housing Requirements | Hens must be kept in a fenced enclosure in the rear yard |
| Previous Regulations | Only properties zoned for agriculture or over five acres could keep chickens |
| Trial Evaluation | Possible impacts to be assessed after one year |
| Final Vote | Scheduled for next week |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga City Council Considers Backyard Chicken Law
Chattanooga’s Arts Week 2025: Celebrate Local Talent
Chattanooga Community Divided Over New Courthouse Location
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Local 3 News
- Times Free Press
- Nooga Today
- Hits 96
- Wikipedia: Backyard Chickens
- Google Search: Backyard Chickens Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: Backyard Chickens Ordinance Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Backyard Chickens
- Google News: Chattanooga Backyard Chickens
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
