A push for backyard chickens sparked lively discussion at the Columbia Borough Council meeting on July 29, 2025, as residents expressed frustration over current zoning laws that prohibit small-scale poultry ownership.

During the meeting, a resident highlighted the absurdity of the existing regulations, noting that while historical precedents encouraged citizens to keep chickens for food security during World War I, today's laws restrict such practices. "It feels a little silly," the resident remarked, emphasizing the benefits of chicken waste as compostable compared to the toxicity of dog waste.

Council members acknowledged the concerns, with one suggesting that any change would require a formal amendment to the zoning code. "We would have to look at that internally and come up with something," a council member stated, indicating that the process would involve council direction and possibly a special exception for individual properties in the meantime.

The conversation revealed a shared interest among residents, with several expressing a desire to raise chickens for personal use, particularly those with limited land. "There are other people in the same situation," one resident noted, pointing out that many in the borough do not have the required 10,000 square feet of land to comply with current regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the need to explore potential changes to the zoning code, signaling a possible shift towards more flexible regulations that could allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards. The outcome of this discussion could pave the way for a new chapter in local food sustainability efforts in Columbia.