BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – How many chickens should homeowners be allowed to have?
In Brevard County, if you live somewhere that’s not within city limits, it’s no more than four, but one county commissioner wants to increase that number for residents in her district.
Katie Delaney of north Brevard County proposed at Tuesday’s county commission meeting up to six chickens per lot.
“We are one of the few counties that has such harsh restrictions,” Delaney said.
The commissioner drew comparisons to other counties, stating that Indian River and Marion counties allow six chickens.
Pushback came from commissioners Kim Adkinson and Tom Goodson.
“Who’s going to police whether you’re keeping your feed properly stored or not?” Adkinson asked.
She said allowing more chickens would result in more code enforcement complaints.
A woman from Mims said she got rid of her six chickens because someone called code enforcement on her family.
Commissioner Goodson worried about other critters that chickens can attract.
“Predators come to chickens,” he said. “Rats come to chicken food.”
Luke Harris of Mims said his chickens don’t attract rats because he doesn’t feed them outside.
“We’ve never had rodent problems, ever,” he said.
Despite objections from Adkinson and Goodson, Delaney’s proposal still carried a 3-2 majority.
It will go next to Brevard County’s planning and zoning board.
Following any possible changes, the proposal will have to come back to the commission again for a final vote.