We are a group of Upper Arlington residents asking UA CITY COUNCIL to consider a revision of current Zoning Code to allow small flocks of egg-laying hens. Benefits of Backyard Hens include: 1.Sustainability- Backyard hens eat table scraps, eat harmful insects and weeds, and provide excellent fertilizer/compost for soil/healthy gardens. They provide fresh eggs, and can also be a source of meat. 2.Education- Families can teach their children about the benefits of local and homegrown food, and where their food comes from. Kids can learn responsibility by helping with hens (gets kids outside and actively engaged in nature) as well as learning self-sustaining principals, even on a small scale 3. Health- Enjoy fresh, healthy eggs everyday, enjoy the personalities of the hens; many folks get as attached to their hens as they would a dog or cat.
Dear Members of UA CITY COUNCIL,
Many cities in the US are embracing the opportunity for their residents to keep backyard flocks of hens for egg-laying purposes. Progressive cities such as Seattle, Chicago, and NYC are enjoying the benefits as their residents take positive strides towards sustainability through backyard hens. CNN MONEY has ranked the TOP TEN best places to live in the US, and 7 of the 10 top cities allow residents the option of keeping backyard hens. (The other 3 currently are considering hen legislation). In Ohio, several residential cities such as Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Hudson, and Bexley have joined the trend as well. The City of Columbus currently allows hens, and just recently, FRANKLIN COUNTY passed an ordinance encouraging the keeping of hens. Here is part of the recommendation:
Benefits of keeping chickens, ducks and rabbits
Raising backyard chickens, ducks and rabbits can contribute to Franklin County’s food security. Increasing access to fresh, local food products benefits citizens of Franklin County by promoting a healthy, sustainable local food network.
Additional benefits include:
- Providing nutritious food at affordable costs - Raising backyard chickens, ducks and rabbits allows residents of all ages and incomes to access fresh food that they can raise themselves. This is especially beneficial in areas with limited grocery store access.
- Promoting healthy living - Raising backyard chickens, ducks and rabbits provides physical, emotional and mental health benefits to residents.
- Sustainable land use - Raising backyard chickens, ducks and rabbits is a productive and sustainable use of land
We respectfully ask City Council to consider a revision in Zoning Code to allow small flocks of hens. This will be a great benefit to families and the community.
