Colonial Heights considers letting residents own chickens years after making them ‘fowl play’

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WRIC) -- More than five years after a firm ban ruffled citizens' feathers, Colonial Heights officials are considering allowing residents to keep chickens in their yards.

During a Nov. 5 meeting of the Colonial Heights Planning Commission, officials unanimously reccomended that the City Council approve an ordinance that would allow some residents to keep a limited number of chickens on their property.

Currently, Colonial Heights residents are prohibited from owning, feeding, keeping or selling any live poultry and fowl. Several other Central Virginia localities, including the city of Richmond, allow their citizens to do so.

The city's ban was initially passed in 2020 after residents sought clarity about whether or not their flocks were legal, as they had found discrepancies in the city code. Multiple meetings and public comment periods were held before City Council narrowly approved the ban on a 4-3 vote.

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Now, this new proposal seeks to not only undo the 2020 ban, but also amend the city code to provide the clarity residents were originally seeking.

The ordinance, if ultimately passed by City Council, would allow Colonial Heights residents who live on properties that are zoned "RL Low Density Residential" to keep up to three female chickens in a rear yard.

A second ordinance will also be introduced that would create regulations for the raising of chickens in the city, including guidelines on pens and coops. It would also establish a permitting process with an associated fee.

Per the Planning Commission, a public hearing will be held on this proposal, allowing citizens to share their thoughts on whether or not it should be approved.

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As of the time of reporting, a specific date for such a hearing has not been provided. The next regular meeting of the Colonial Heights City Council is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.