Project manager for the City of Flagstaff
Roger E. Eastman, AICP, CNU
Zoning Code Administrator
City of Flagstaff
Community Development Division
211 West Aspen Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
P 928-779-7631 Ext. 7606
F 928-779-7684
reastman@FlagstaffAZ.Gov
Greetings,
I am writing in support of legal revisions allowing small-scale, home-based animal husbandry, such as chickens, ducks, and even goats and sheep if appropriate space is present. I can see no difference between people having pets both inside and outside the home – such as dogs that often bark and defecate in yards – and the keeping of small animals for food production. The City of Flagstaff claims to be an advocate of/for sustainability, and legal acceptance of local, self-sufficient food systems is a vital component to a sincere implementation of sustainability policies.
Sincerely,
Matthew Holmes
I would like to support language in the code for more general acceptance of chickens and ducks within the city limits. The language from Lawrence Kansas looks very reasonable. Current language is overly restrictive.
I propose that the City should adopt a code for allowing chickens and ducks to be kept by residents within the City. A code allowing these type of fowl would promote local food production, both in direct terms of meat and eggs, as well as backyard gardens that would benefit from the manure. As cheap supplies of oil decline in the future, the price and availability of food (of which nearly all of the City’s food is imported) will become volatile. This will pose serious risks to the security and well-being of the citizens. In the meantime the City should be supporting and encouraging local food production. Chickens (female) and ducks are low maintenance animals that are quiet, relatively odorless and have many beneficial aspects including pest control and manure for gardens.
I suggest the Lawrence, Kansas model for a fowl code.
Hello,
I have been living in Flagstaff for 9 years now, and think it is very important that we be able to keep our own chickens in town. For one, this is a self-sufficiency issue: as citizens we should be able to feed ourselves and chickens are a great way to do this. Even with just 3 or 4 chickens, you can have fresh eggs all year long, not to mention the occasional chicken meat. I have lived in a house with where chickens were kept, and they were very quiet. I rarely noticed them, to be honest. Finally, being able to raise your own food, both with a garden and with chickens, drives the cost of living down, as food becomes less expensive if you grow it or raise it yourself. Flagstaff is very expensive as it is, so being able to grow your own food helps with your month to month costs.
Vince
I would like to see the new zoning code provide the opportunity for residents to raise chickens on their property. My good friend in Santa Cruz California has built a small chicken coop on his property and he keeps about six chickens. They have enough fresh eggs to share them with their neighbors. The coop is important to protect the hens from local foxes.
Thank you for considering this suggestion.
I would like to see the new laws allow chickens, ducks, geese etc. allowed. I agree with the wording in the Lawrence, Kansas law. I hope that people can start to raise more food locally and get in touch with it too. Being an urban resident this is vital to our future well being.
It would be a highlight and huge advantage to Flagstaff residents to have the freedom to have chickens, ducks and geese on their property. It is part of building a sustainable community and should be embraced.
Thank you~
I strongly support the development of city codes that permit residents to keep chicken, ducks and geese. This kind of small animal husbandry provides residents with a measure of food self-sufficiency, gives families a wonderful way to teach their children about our interdependency and reciprocity with other species, the art of food provision, the cycle of life, and the joys of sharing food with neighbors and friends when eggs are abundant – just to name a few of the practices and values the city would be advancing.
Other communities across the country have developed strong codes that have successfully supported a thriving family sustainable economy of this kind. Let’s do it!
I support city codes permitting the small scale husbandry of chicken, geese, and ducks. Such small scale projects allows youth to be involved and gives them access to a caring, working way of life. Raising chickens and other animals, much like gardening, are direct-impact projects that enhance spirituality and show a responsibility to a power greater than the individual. They are the foundation for building neighborhood connections and additional connects to the land this city is founded on. It is also full of “green” ideals and will educate the citizens of Flagstaff on sustainable methods for years to come.
Thank you\
I’m another home-owner in favor of allowing backyard fowl. It’s encouraging to see so many other folks of a similar mind. We have really enjoyed our little backyard flock and have become much more appreciative of our food sources. I believe this to be an invaluable lesson for all of us. I just thought I’d add my voice to the chorus.
I’d like to add my suggestion that you allow Flagstaff citizens to have backyard chickens, ducks, and geese. People can greatly enhance their food supply by having a very small flock of birds. During summer days, chickens will lay one egg a day. A small flock of 3 or 4 birds will lay enough to supply eggs for a family. It has been my experience that a small flock of birds is a charming and useful addition to any home.
Given that we’re all looking toward a more sustainable lifestyle, I would like to see the zoning codes change to allow backyard fowl which provide us daily with eggs with a bit of meat in the pot if necessary. I believe currently the coding allows for no more than 25 chickens 50 or less feet from a dwelling. Perhaps fewer fowl and more footage?
Please enable Flagstaff residents to be a part of their families’ and communities’ food security. Given the climate, soil, and water issues of Northern Arizona, livestock must be a critical part of the food system – we cannot survive only on the fruits and vegetables we are able to grow! Female livestock in particular provide eggs, milk, and meat without the smell and noise issues of male animals (ducks being the exception with noise). Allowing people to keep a few hens, a dairy goat, or some rabbits would expand the region’s food supply and provide healthy options for residents. The world is changing rapidly – let Flagstaff be a model for sustainable choices.