Delphi moves to allow chickens in low density districts

Title: Delphi moves to allow chickens in low density districts URL Source: https://www.carrollcountycomet.com/articles/delphi-moves-to-allow-chickens-in-low-density-districts/ Published Time: 2026-04-15T05:01:30-04:00 Markdown Content: Residents in some Delphi neighborhoods will soon be allowed to keep chickens after the Delphi Common Council unanimously approved an update to the city’s zoning code. Ordinance 2026-7, passed April 6, amends the city’s Uniform Development Ordinance to permit chicken husbandry as an accessory use in low-density residential, or R1, districts. Previously, residents were required to seek a special exception from the Delphi Board of Zoning Appeals before keeping chickens within city limits. The measure also allows chicken pens, coops and runs to be installed without a building permit or improvement location permit, streamlining the process for residents interested in small-scale backyard flocks. Delphi Mayor Kamron Yates said the ordinance followed lengthy discussions and public input before reaching the council for a final vote. Amy Webster, Purdue Extension Educator, was also at the meeting to address questions. “We publicized it in the Comet, by statute, twice. It did pass the Delphi Planning Commission unanimously, which brings us to where it is today,” Yates said ahead of the vote. The Delphi Planning Commission held a required public hearing and issued a favorable recommendation March 16 before certifying the proposal to the council, Yates said. City officials said the update reflects a growing interest among residents in raising chickens for local food production while still maintaining standards within residential areas. The ordinance adds specific regulations to the UDO governing how chicken husbandry will be managed in R1 districts. Loading Related Articles