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Lafayette to Vote on Backyard Chicken Ordinance: What Residents Need to Know

Background: Chickens in Lafayette

For many years, Lafayette residents have not been permitted to keep chickens in their backyards or front yards within city limits. This longstanding restriction has placed chickens in the same category as other livestock, such as horses, goats, and cows. However, cities across the region and the country have seen a growing interest in backyard chickens, and Lafayette is now considering a major change to local policy.

What the Proposed Ordinance Includes

The Lafayette City Council recently held a first vote on a draft ordinance that would allow residents to keep backyard hens. The proposal narrowly passed its initial vote and will be up for a final vote in September.

Key features of the proposed ordinance:

Residents may keep up to five hens per property, strictly for noncommercial purposes.
No roosters are allowed.
A permit from the city is required to keep hens; the permit will be free and is intended to help the city track active flocks.
Chickens must carry identification, such as a leg band, to assist with owner identification if birds escape.
Coops and pens must meet minimum size and safety standards:
- The coop must provide at least one square foot per chicken, and the pen at least two square feet per chicken.
- Structures must be at least 18 inches high and be predator proof.
- Coops and pens must be at least 20 feet from neighboring residences and 10 feet from property lines.
Chickens can only be kept behind the primary residential structure; no front yard chickens are permitted.
Owners must ensure chickens do not create a public nuisance through noise, odor, or property damage.
Violations may incur fines up to $250 per day.
The ordinance will not override any HOA rules, covenants, or lease restrictions that already govern backyard animals.
A one-year sunset provision: Unless renewed by the Council, the ordinance will automatically expire in 2026.

Community Views: Support and Concerns

The draft ordinance has generated both support and skepticism at public meetings.

Supporters argue that responsible hen-keeping is already common in Lafayette, and legalization allows for better regulation, education, and community oversight.
Opponents express concerns about potential neighborhood disputes, sanitation, noise, predators such as coyotes, and enforcement challenges.
Animal control officials have voiced readiness to monitor compliance, but acknowledge an initial uptick in work and the need for community education.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The second and final City Council vote is scheduled for September. If it passes, Lafayette residents could begin legally applying for chicken permits later in 2025.
If the policy faces significant community opposition or proves unworkable, it can be allowed to expire after one year thanks to the sunset clause.

How to Prepare if You’re Interested

Watch for updates from the City Council, especially after the September meeting.
Review your neighborhood’s rules to see if additional restrictions apply.
Be ready to apply for a permit and construct a compliant coop if the ordinance is approved.

This potential change reflects a shift in local policy and offers residents new choices in urban agriculture—while also raising important questions about neighbor relations and community standards.