AN ACT relating to keeping chickens on residential property.
If enacted, HB 806 would prevent local governments from enacting or enforcing any ordinances that would prohibit the keeping of backyard chickens. This legislation would ensure that individuals who wish to engage in this type of urban agriculture can do so without interference from city or county regulations. Local governments, however, would retain the ability to impose reasonable regulations to ensure the health and safety of residents, such as setback requirements for coops and sanitation standards.
House Bill 806 seeks to legalize the keeping of chickens on residential property within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Specifically, it permits the ownership of up to six domesticated hens for personal use, primarily for egg production and educational purposes, while explicitly excluding roosters to avoid noise disturbances. The bill aims to promote urban agriculture and self-sustainability, allowing residents the opportunity to raise their own chickens in a domestic setting without facing local regulatory barriers.
The sentiment surrounding HB 806 appears to be generally positive, particularly among proponents of local food production and self-sufficiency. Supporters argue that the ability to raise chickens provides educational opportunities, promotes sustainable practices, and contributes to personal food security. However, there may be concern among some community members regarding potential issues such as noise, property values, and sanitation, which could lead to opposition from certain neighborhood associations or local governments.
One notable point of contention related to HB 806 includes the balance between local control and state mandates. While the bill empowers individuals to keep chickens, it limits local governments' ability to regulate or prohibit the practice, which may lead to tensions between state-level laws and municipal governance. Some local officials fear that this may undermine their approach to managing community needs, particularly if residents face issues such as nuisance complaints or safety concerns related to keeping poultry in urban settings.