Rathdrum chicken law could be scratched

RATHDRUM - When Alyson Chatterton prepared to raise chickens for her 4-H project at her Rathdrum home, the 10-year-old's leader informed her that she would need to get the city's law changed first.

And Alyson, not to be denied without asking, now has the city council talking about pecking at the law.

The council tonight at 6 will discuss changing the law, which doesn't allow the birds on lots less than an acre. Chickens are allowed on lots that are at least an acre with no restrictions on the number.

Alyson, who lives on Buffalo Grass Lane, spoke at last month's meeting and the council agreed to debate the law.

"I want to raise chickens so I can have them as a pet and do 4-H with them," she said. "My 4-H leader said that I'd have to check with Rathdrum to see if they could change the law."

She was able to get the council to revisit the law - something Mayor Vic Holmes said he wasn't able to do several months ago.

"I think it's time to give it another look in fairness to people who want to raise chickens," Holmes said. "She made a compelling case."

Alyson's mother Susan said the family couldn't raise chickens in Moscow where they formerly lived because they lived in an apartment. They knew of families there who had a house that raised the birds, and the Chattertons figured there would be no problem in Rathdrum.

"Most cities allow it, and you'd think a rural city (such as Rathdrum) would," she said.

Susan said the intent would be for her daughter to raise a minimum number and they would be kept in a coop unless she's outside with them.

"If we get to do this, we also plan to put up a fence," she said.

The council will banter whether to allow chickens with a conditional-use permit on a case by case basis, whether to change the law for everyone or keep it the same as it did when it reviewed the law two years ago after another resident came forward with a desire to raise chickens.

Council member Fred Meckel said his concern with allowing chickens on smaller lots would be how they would mix with dogs in the neighborhood.

"When I went door knocking during the last election, it seemed like almost every person had a dog," Meckel said.

Holmes said the entire ordinance, especially with there being no restriction on the number of chickens on lots of at least an acre, needs to be looked at. He said it's also important to be fair to all residents with whatever is decided.

He said he isn't aware of any problems with residents going overboard if they are allowed to have chickens and suspects there are some who break the no-chicken rule on smaller lots.

Reviewing chicken laws has been a common theme with area cities in recent years.

Last year Post Falls voted to allow as many as 10 chickens on lots of less than half an acre after a family wanted chickens as a learning tool for their son. That city previously allowed no chickens on such lots and in 2006 voted to not adjust the law.

Coeur d'Alene allows unlimited chickens as long as the hens are kept cooped and don't disturb neighbors with noise or odor.

Roosters aren't allowed in most cities.