Chattanooga, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga city officials have voted 7-2 to lift a long-standing ban on owning chickens, allowing residents to keep up to eight hens in their backyards. The new ordinance prohibits roosters to reduce noise complaints and requires hens to be kept in secure enclosures. While the legislation has support, some council members expressed concerns about health risks and enforcement difficulties. A final vote is scheduled at the upcoming City Council meeting as the city considers joining a growing trend of urban chicken ownership.
Chattanooga city officials have voted to lift a 20-year ban on the ownership of chickens in residential backyards, allowing residents to keep up to eight hens. The vote concluded with a 7 to 2 majority during a session of the City Council, marking a significant change in local regulations.
The newly enacted ordinance stipulates that residents may only keep hens and prohibits roosters to minimize noise complaints. Council members Marvene Noel and Jenni Berz opposed the new law, expressing concerns from constituents and the feasibility of enforcing the regulations. Noel specifically highlighted that her constituents in districts such as Orchard Knob, Bushtown, and Avondale did not support lifting the ban.
There are apprehensions among residents, particularly among seniors, regarding potential health risks, especially diseases associated with chickens. Furthermore, Berz raised questions about the resources available for enforcing this new ordinance. The McKamey Animal Center, which is designated to handle any violations, has indicated a lack of capacity to manage chicken-related complaints or the care required for surrendered chickens.
Chip Henderson, a council member, spearheaded the legislation, having attempted to propose a similar initiative back in 2013. On the contrary, support for backyard chickens has been articulated by agricultural experts. Haley Treadway, a representative from the University of Tennessee Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, pointed to examples from other cities, such as Denver and Seattle, that successfully implemented urban chicken programs, focusing on food access and sustainability.
The regulations resulting from this new ordinance require that hens be kept in a securely fenced enclosure located in the residents’ rear yards at all times, in an effort to address community concerns surrounding safety and nuisance issues.
A second and final vote to confirm the ordinance is set to take place at the City Council’s next meeting, scheduled for the near future. This upcoming vote will determine if Chattanooga will officially join the growing number of cities embracing the backyard chicken movement.
Background Context
The initiative to allow urban chicken ownership aligns with a broader trend across the United States, where many cities have embraced chickens as a means of promoting local food production and reducing environmental footprints. Advocates for the movement emphasize the educational aspect of raising chickens, highlighting the opportunity for residents to learn about food sources and animal care.
Features of the New Ordinance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Hens | Up to 8 hens per household |
| Rooster Restrictions | Roosters are not permitted |
| Enclosure Requirements | Hens must be kept in a fenced enclosure in the rear yard |
| Enforcement Agency | McKamey Animal Center |
| Next Vote | A second vote scheduled for the next city council meeting |
| Opposition Factors | Health concerns and enforcement issues |
FAQ
What does the new ordinance allow?
Residents can keep up to eight hens in their backyards, but roosters are not allowed.
Are there any restrictions on how to keep the hens?
Yes, hens must be kept in a fenced enclosure located in the rear yard at all times.
What concerns do residents have about the new law?
Residents have expressed concerns about potential health risks and the challenges of enforcing the new law.
When will the final vote on the ordinance occur?
The final vote is scheduled for the next City Council meeting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga City Council Passes First Reading of Hen Ordinance
Chattanooga City Council Violates Open Meeting Laws
Chattanooga City Council Debates Backyard Chickens Proposal
Community Engagement Fuels Change in Chattanooga
Chattanooga City Council Considers Backyard Chicken Law
Hamilton County Leaders Address Key Community Issues
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chicken Ownership Now Allowed in Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga City Council Passes Backyard Hen Ordinance
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga City Council Approves Backyard Chicken Ordinance
- Hits 96: Chattanooga Considers Legalizing Backyard Chickens
- WDEF: Chattanooga City Council to Consider New Backyard Chicken Ordinance
- Wikipedia: 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.
