Blaine, which has seen a rapid increase of neighborhoods and shopping centers in recent decades, could soon return to its farming community roots — one chicken at a time.
The City Council is expected to vote next week on an ordinance allowing backyard hens (roosters not permitted). If the ordinance passes, residents would be allowed to raise up to six hens starting in September.
Once home to many sod farms, Blaine "never really permitted" residential zoning to allow poultry, said Bryan Schafer, the city's planning and community development director.
"It hasn't been an issue for decades," Schafer said. "But as cities have contemplated and come forward, residents have asked the question, 'Why can't we?' "
In the past year, several residents have asked the City Council to reconsider the ban after neighboring Circle Pines and Centerville changed zoning laws to allow residential chickens.
Jason King, council member from the Third Ward, said residents want "chickens as pets," and fresh eggs for themselves and neighbors.
When King went door-knocking before being elected, a resident spoke with him at length about allowing chickens in her backyard.
"We had a long conversation about it and she educated me," King said. "It seemed like a great thing to me. It was something I brought to the council. I thought it was a great idea and [it] seemed like something we can support."
