The Draft UDO, when it was introduced last year, set incredible limitations on keeping backyard hens: The size of your lot would impact the number of hens allowed, and chicken owners would need an annual zoning permit.

This flew in the face of a 2008 petition that resulted in the Town Commissioners allowing up to 10 hens within city limits. I brought my concerns before the current Commissioners, citing unfaithfulnes to the people's petition and inequity that pet owners with backyard kennels don't need to file for permits or have a limited number of pets. The Mayor, after the meeting, even confirmed that there hasn't been a single hen-related complaint since 2008.

However, the North Carolina Legislature passed a Hurricane Helene relief bill, which included a section that prohibits munincipalities from "down-zoning." Due to this new zoning law, the Draft UDO was pulled because it may not be compliant with state law.

Six months later, the Draft UDO is still pending. Recently, I decided to check the Draft UDO for changes. Lo and behold, the Town has removed the permit requirement and set the limit of hens back to ten!

This proves that taking a stand, even if you're the only one to do it, makes a difference!