Staunton’s fowl battle is over

STAUNTON — After more than a year of discussions and meetings about fresh eggs and chicken waste, city leaders have finally legalized hens within city limits.

But the vote, made during a packed council meeting, was close.

Domestic poultry, better known as backyard chickens, can be found in some surprising places such as New York, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, but prior to this week — chickens were illegal residents of Staunton.

And people do have chickens here.

According to Staunton officials, a number of complaints have been filed with the city for chickens entering a neighbor’s yard, odor or from people “simply relaying the message that a neighbor [has] chickens illegally.”

Those neighbors now have 60 days to file for a permit to legally keep their chickens.

Staunton City Council members voted four to three to allow people to keep six chickens within city limits on Thursday. Roosters, however, are still banned.

Voting in favor of backyard chickens were Carolyn Dull, Erik Curren, Andrea Oaks and Walter Obenschain. Voting against backyard chickens were Ophie Kier, James Harrington and Terry Holmes.

“It just passed,” said Ruth Jones, communications manager for the city of Staunton. “I think the council had a lot to consider. Many of them were supporters of allowing backyard hens until they heard from a woman who has a disease that basically could be fatal. They had a pretty tough decision in front of them and after hearing this person’s condition, her concerns weighed on them.”

Gail Brown, 62, of Staunton told council members she suffers from Mycobacterium avium Complex, which she said is from birds.

“It’s nice to have chickens, they are cute and cuddly, but there is a real danger too,” she said.

Brown said she was diagnosed in 2005 after the micro-organism “set up housekeeping” in her lungs.

“It’s in the air,” she said. “I looked around at all these little children and though wow, wee, I hope these parents know what can happen. I’m glad they heard my side of the story. It’s a real, deadly danger.”

Councilman Erik Curren said he is not a health expert, but after taking a closer look into Brown’s condition, said the information she presented to the council appeared incomplete.

“I hope she finds a cure, but I’m not sure chickens are a part of her problem,” he said.

Curren said he is very pleased residents can now keep chickens in their backyards as a source of food.

“I hope lots of people in Staunton will take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.

Jones said no one filed for a permit to have chickens on Friday, but several inquires have been made.

According to the city, residents can now own six hens. The permit includes a one-time fee of $50 and covers the cost for an inspection of a chicken coop.

One of the people making inquires about a permit was Allison Profeta.

“I’m really excited and happy,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting chickens and feel like I know more about chickens now than I ever thought I would.”

Profeta was one of the people who pushed to legalize chickens in the city and said she spent quite a bit of time looking into backyard chickens.

“I know what I want to feed them and what kind of coop we need to have and now all that research will finally pay off,” she said.