Polson adopts domestic chicken ordinance

The Polson City Commission on Monday officially adopted a new ordinance setting rules and establishing a permit process for the keeping of domestic chickens within city limits.

Commissioners conducted a second and final reading of the ordinance and passed it unanimously without debate.

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 17 agenda.

Also Monday, City Manager Ed Meece announced that longtime city employee Ashley Walker will take over as Public Works Director, effective May 23. Walker has 24 years of experience working for the city and has served as interim streets supervisor the last six months.

Commissioners also approved a contract with the Polson Chamber of Commerce to handle the watering of the city’s hanging flower baskets installed downtown. The estimated cost of the contract is $5,049 for the summer.