BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem is one step closer to allowing city residents to own backyard chickens despite objections from some city officials.
At a joint meeting Tuesday night, the Public Safety and Community Development committees sent an ordinance to the full council that, if passed, will allow homeowners to keep up to six hens on their property with a permit.
- An ordinance allowing Bethlehem residents to keep backyard chickens is one city council vote away from becoming law
- Representatives from the city’s Department of Health and police department spoke against the ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting
- If it passes, the rules will allow 40 homeowners to keep six hens each
- No roosters will be permitted
Residents have previously shared with city council they hope to raise chickens that would produce fresh eggs and be a sustainable food source.
The Public Safety Committee voted 2-1 in favor of the measure Tuesday and the Community Development Committee voted 3-0 for it.
Though it passed both committees, the measure has previously faced opposition from Bethlehem's mayor, and representatives from Bethlehem’s Department of Health and police department urged council members to vote “no” Tuesday night.
Bethlehem Health Director Kristen Wenrich said chickens may pose a potential risk for salmonella and avian influenza outbreaks.
“We're introducing something that can have negative consequences,” Wenrich said. “Risks may be minimal, but we still need to prepare for any outbreaks that may be associated if we permit this in the city.”
The Deputy Chief of Police Scott Meixell said that the ordinance would overwhelm police, and that parts of the legislation are too vague.
The move to allow backyard chickens has been championed by council member Dr. Paige Van Wirt, who introduced the measure in July.
“This ordinance came about because there were people in the community who really desire to have the ability to raise their own eggs, primarily.”Dr. Paige Van Wirt, Bethlehem City Councilwoman
“This ordinance came about because there were people in the community who really desire to have the ability to raise their own eggs, primarily,” Van Wirt said.
“I try to use the litmus test of how we allow our citizens to have dogs and care for their dogs,” Van Wirt said, “As a way to guide how we handle chickens in the backyard as well.”
Only 40 permits would be granted for the first year, after which the city council would review how these first few flocks impacted their neighborhoods. If they like what they see, more permits would be granted the next year.
The ordinance will come before the full city council for a final vote at a future meeting.
