ROCKLAND — Three domesticated chickens adequately provide enough eggs to support a family, and those chickens are sold in packs of six, according to recent research provided by the Rockland Planning Commission. Therefore, step one of establishing Rockland’s new guidelines for the keeping of hens in residential areas limits each property owner’s flock to six.

For the residents of Zone B, where domesticated chickens have been accepted but not closely monitored until now, a “grandfather” provision has been allowed for owners already lawfully in possession of nine hens. However, those hens cannot be replaced.

These guidelines, passed into law Monday, Nov. 9, become effective December 9.

Also in the ordinance is the allowance of portable chicken coops as an alternative to buried wire enclosures; and the setback requirement was reduced from 15 feet to 10 feet from the property line along with a 15-foot setback from a residence/principal dwelling.

Ordinance sponsor Councilor Valli Geiger said that a chicken-owning resident of Zone B approached her about the previously-proposed setback guideline of 15 feet. The resident’s narrow lot would not have met the requirement and the family would have to had to get rid of the chickens.

In regards to the setback between neighbors, the 15 feet ensures that neighbors “did not end up with chickens under their window,” Geiger said.

This ordinance allows for hens only for permitted residents who can meet the requirements for quantities, and types of enclosures to ensure safety and cleanliness, waste storage, removal of carcasses, and protection from predators. No roosters or guinea fowl are permitted. 

Geiger views this ordinance as “a wonderful experiment to see if Rockland can welcome this idea of people growing their own eggs, having some chickens, seeing if it’s going to work. And of course, if it doesn’t, then there is a complaint process so that people can come back and we can amend or repeal as needed.”