Chicken zoning sent on by planning board
Concerns voiced over enforcement problems, humaneness, skunks and egg-laying stats
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
After a great deal of clucking about the seriousness of the issue, the Whitefish City-County Planning Board approved by 6-1 allowing the "keeping of chickens" without having to pay $990 for a conditional-use permit. The matter will go to the city council on Dec. 1.
As proposed, residents could have up to three hens but no roosters, and the animals would be defined as pets, not livestock. Existing city codes cover issues such as enclosures and cleanliness.
Board member Ole Nette-berg, who voted against the city's request to amend the zoning code, called the proposal "absolutely crazy" and "ridiculous." He said chickens are "one of the dirtiest animals around" and he expressed concern that people won't know how to properly take care of chickens.
"I'm surprised the Humane Society doesn't get involved," Netteberg said.
Board member Ken Stein said he agreed with Netteberg but was willing to vote for the change even though chickens are "disgusting."
Two people commented on the proposal — one adamantly opposed and one providing professional opinion as a large-scale chicken rancher.
Susie Moore said she raised chickens as a child and they belong on a farm, not in the city. She said they'll attract predators, including skunks, and she asked how the city will enforce chicken regulations.
"I don't want to go from Stumptown to Chickentown," she said.
Ken Cordoza raises about 200 chickens out on Lost Coon Trail and thought it was a good idea for kids in town to learn about where their food comes from.
But three chickens was "pretty skimpy," Cordoza said. Egg production drops significantly in winter time when there's less daylight, and he noted that industrial producers leave lights on 22 hours a day to promote egg-laying.
Board member Peggy Sue Amelon, who had proposed licensing to ensure accountability in how people took care of chickens, expressed concern about people using lights to get their three chickens to lay more eggs.
"Even if people never see eggs, we should let people have a shot at owning chickens," board chairman Steve Qunell said.
"We're making a mountain out of a molehill," board member Scott Sorenson said.
In other planning board news:
? The board discussed changing WB-2 zoning regulations to allow more retail uses on the U.S. Highway 93 strip. The WB-2 regulations were initially created to protect retail businesses downtown, but numerous nonconforming businesses have moved to the strip over the years.
Bill Halama, who is developing retail and office space between the new Walgreens and Whitefish River, suggested in a memo that virtually all retail uses be allowed on the strip. He noted expensive lot prices and rents downtown hindered development of new retail space to accommodate the city's growth.
Board member Kerry Crittenden said that by strengthening downtown zoning, "we're subsidizing those who own real estate there," but he was reluctant to have the board choose which retail uses should be allowed on the strip.
Sorenson warned that being too restrictive out on the strip would drive businesses to Columbia Falls and Kalispell, leaving residents here with no place to shop.
? A request by Bernard Papp to amend a previously approved subdivision lot on Mountain Park Drive was unanimously approved.
Qunell asked why the fee was $3,300 and was told the fee applied to the entire Mountain Park subdivision for technical reasons.
? The board took a look at proposed changes to street standards. More than half the 30-page memo dealt with "traffic-calming" measures aimed at reducing traffic speed and increasing access to other modes of transportation.