Politics & Government

Chickens Are No Longer Fowl Play in Newport

Newport residents may now legally keep up to six hens on personal property.

There were no ruffled feathers on Wednesday when Newport City Council unanimously approved amendments to a livestock ordinance, 17.100.120, in order to allow residents to keep chickens. Residents may keep one hen per 800 square feet of their total lot or up to a maximum of six hens.

Roosters are still prohibited.

“We will no longer be the business of criminalizing chickens,” said Councilor Justin McLaughlin. “I’m excited about this.”

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Newport resident Saskia Standish told council she was happy to see the chicken ordinance on the agenda. 

“I am in favor of having chickens in the backyard," said Standish. “[The amendments] protects people from maybe having complaints. It’s very clear.”

Find out what's happening in Newportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The ordinance specifies hens must be provided with a hen house and a fenced outdoor enclosure. They must be confined within the hen house between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Do you want to fill an empty nest?  Make sure you read the details of the amendments here.  








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