Polson's domestic chicken rules nearly hatched

A proposed ordinance regarding the keeping of chickens within Polson’s city limits is nearly a done deal after commissioners approved the new rules on a first reading Monday night. A second reading and final vote is expected during the Polson Commission’s next regular meeting on May 17.

Commissioners hammered out details of the new rules during meetings on March 1 and April 19. Code Compliance Officer Matt Ellerman presented the revised ordinance to the commission Monday night.

The new rules allow for up to six adult hens — no roosters — with city inspection of a proposed coop and run completed prior to a permit being granted.

Chickens are required to be within an enclosure on the permittee's property at all times; they are not allowed to run free on public property. A covered, predator-proof detached utility building sufficient to allow hens free movement is required. The structure must be kept at least 30 feet from any other structure not on the owner’s property, and chickens must be kept within the structure from sunset to sunrise.

Any lighting for the structure must be solar- or battery-powered; no extension cord wiring.

Slaughtering chickens within public view is prohibited.

All permits issued by the city will expire Dec. 31 each year and must be renewed. The proposal does not list a fee for the permit.

The complete proposal is available online at the city’s website, www.cityofpolson.com. It is attached to the May 3 agenda.

Ellerman will be in charge of inspections, issuing permits and investigating reported violations.

“I will try to work with people, but I will give them a set number of days to deal with issues,” Ellerman told commissioners. “Each day a violation persists may be treated as a separate offense.”

Commissioner Brodie Moll asked how many homes in Polson already have domestic chickens.

“I’ve counted four,” Ellerman said, “and they’re all aware that this is coming up.”

No one spoke during time allotted for public comment Monday.

The ordinance passed the first reading on a 4-0 vote, with Moll, Patricia Corrigan-Ekness, Carolyn Pardini and Mayor Paul Briney voting in favor.

There were no other major items on Monday’s agenda.