We, the people of Franklin County, KY wish to be able to raise backyard HENS for the purpose of fresh eggs, sustainability and a greener KY! As people grow more concerned about the economy, the environment, food safety, emergency preparedness, and animal welfare, they are returning to the basic skills their grandparents understood well – vegetable gardening, canning food, and raising chickens. In response to citizens’ requests, many municipalities across the country have adopted ordinances allowing residents to keep a limited number of egg-laying hens as pets. According to the Worldwatch Institute, there is an Urban Chicken Movement underway that has "... swept across the United States in recent years" Proposal: Requirements for the keeping of hens and coops within Frankfort City and Franklin County 1. The keeping of nine (9) domestic hens may be kept on a property that is zoned and occupied for single-family residential use only (subject to HOA approval in neighborhoods that have them) and on a lot less than 0.5 acres. On a lot 0.5 acres or more the keeping of more than nine (9) hens would be allowed as long as the guidelines of noise, smell and enclosure were met. 2. The keeping of roosters and the slaughter of any chickens is prohibited. 3. All poultry shall be kept in a fence or structure of sufficient height and construction to prevent the animal(s) from leaving the owner's property. The structure must have at least 4 sq ft per hen and the run must have at least 4 sq ft per hen. The fence or structure must be in good repair. All gates or doors to the fence or structure shall fit properly and shall be locked or secured by a latch. All poultry must be provided a shelter, food and water. 4. All enclosures shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to be free of rodent infestation and feed shall be kept in containers with tightly fitted lids. 5. A building permit would only be required if the structure was more than 120 sq ft. (per current code requirements) 6. All hens and enclosures shall be kept in the rear yard. 7. All areas where hens are kept shall be maintained neat and clean and free of undue accumulation of waste such as to cause odors detectable on adjacent property. 8. Keeping of backyard hens for non-commercial purposes, shall not be considered "livestock". 9. Poultry associated with an agriculture use shall not be subject to the restraint requirements as set forth herein.