Another sign of just how urban Fargo is becoming
FARGO (KFGO-AM) Fargo City Commissioners will decide Monday night whether to ban raising chickens in the backyard.
Planning Director Jim Gilmour says it's a matter of conflicting ordinances and an occassional citizen complaint that comes his way.
The land development code prohibits "animal confinement", an opinion the Planning and Development Department believes includes chickens. However the municipal code contains language that allows chickens in the backyard under certain circumstanes, including the approval of neighbors.
Gilmour says the "chicken" ordinance dates back to World War Two when Uncle Sam encouraged people to have Victory Gardens and raise chickens to prevent food shortages.
He says commissioners he's talked to seem to be leaning toward a chicken prohibition. If so, it will be up to the city attorney to draft a new ordinance.
Moorhead and West Fargo already ban raising chickens in residential area's.