A resident urged the Bellbrook City Council on Oct. 13 to approve a draft ordinance permitting small numbers of backyard hens, while council members and staff said a consultant-led survey will be used to guide any formal introduction.

James Becker, a Bellbrook resident, told the council he supported a proposed ordinance that would allow “residents to responsibly keep a small number of backyard chickens within city limits.” He said the draft addresses common concerns by banning roosters, setting flock-size limits, requiring setbacks, and imposing enclosure and sanitation standards. "No roosters, limits on flock size, setback requirements, and enclosure and cleanliness standards," Becker said during public comment.

City Manager Rob said the city has retained a consultant to develop and validate a community survey on small livestock, using the city’s Engage Bellbrook platform. "The survey regarding, small livestock, is in progress. We should have the, the draft to, to review," Rob said, and indicated council would review the survey draft at the next meeting before it is launched.

Councilwoman Cyphers said she had planned to introduce ordinance 2025-0-15 but would delay making a formal motion until the survey results are available. "I was planning on putting forward a motion to introduce the ordinance, 20 25 dash o dash 15. But since we have already started down the path of the survey, I will hold that motion until we at least send the survey out," Cyphers said.

Council members asked clarifying questions about timing and cost. Rob told council the city already owns the survey platform and that most of the consultant expense is staff time; he said a draft of the survey should be ready by the council’s next meeting in two weeks and recommended a public response window likely between two and 30 days.

At least one resident noted homeowners association covenants might still prohibit chickens even if the city approves an ordinance; he said he would work with his HOA if the ordinance passed. The council and staff emphasized that the survey results will inform whether and when to place an ordinance before council for a vote.

The meeting included no formal vote on the ordinance. The council did not introduce Ordinance 2025-0-15 on Oct. 13; council members instead directed staff to proceed with the validated survey and return results for review.