Somersworth approves $44.7m budget and backyard chickens
By Casey Conley, Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The zoning ordinance allowing up to six hens in backyard coops passed on a 7-2 vote. The measure requires an annual permit and fee, but does not mandate neighbor notifications or a building permit for chicken coops. Roosters are not allowed.
The budget measure was approved on a 8-1 vote after councilors found an additional
The combined budget, which includes allocations for the city,
In its current form, property taxes are expected to increase by
The 2014-15 budget approved Monday is the first spending plan crafted under the tax cap, which voters approved in 2012. The cap limits spending increases to the federal inflation rate plus revenues from new development. The budget adopted Monday falls just within those parameters.
Mayor
The budget contains an
Some
Councilor
The final chickens ordinance was closer to the initial measure proposed in early March by Councilor
Residents can keep up to six hens provided they are in backyard coops at least 20 feet from a neighbor's property line. The chickens must be fenced in and have three square feet of space for each chicken.
About 10 residents spoke on the proposal, with all but one supporting it. They cited benefits such as fresh eggs, more control over their food and even stress relief from observing the chickens at play.
Councilors
With passage Monday, the ordinance replaces an existing model in which those living in residential zones who wanted chickens had to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. At least two residents, including Soldati, received approval from the board to keep chickens over the past eight years.
A more stringent ordinance allowing backyard chickens that emerged from a
In other action Monday, the council voted 5-4 for an a resolution supporting demolition of the city's vacant former police station at Main and Station streets downtown. A city park will be established in its place. The measure now goes to the city's
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(c)2014 the Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.)
Visit the Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.) at www.fosters.com
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