Residents Petition Middletown To Ease Backyard Chicken Restrictions

Middletown Township residents are calling for changes to local ordinances that currently restrict raising chickens in residential areas.

A petition launched by residents Brittany Jowett and Rachel Fullan has gained 464 signatures, nearing its goal of 500.

The two residents and moms seek support to amend the township’s rules related to owning chickens.

The petition advocates for backyard chicken-keeping as a “cost-effective food source,” offering “natural pest control” and “mental health benefits.”

Fullan and Jowett hope Middletown will follow other cities, such as Seattle, Portland, and New York, and local municipalities like Newtown Borough, Bristol Township, and Langhorne Borough, which already permit residential chicken-raising under certain restrictions.

Middletown Township’s current regulations, which are outlined in Chapter 500 of the township’s Code of Ordinances, prohibit chickens on most properties. Chickens are only allowed on properties larger than 10 acres within certain residential agriculture zoning districts.

Fullan and Jowett are urging the township to amend the ordinances to open up more homes to having backyard chickens.

Jowett explained that they are proposing reasonable limitations, like capping the number of birds, banning roosters, and regulating feed storage and coop conditions.

“Rachel and I have decided that it is time for Middletown to adjust their ordinance to give the residents of Middletown Township the opportunity to explore this growing trend which promotes so many benefits not only to individuals but to the community as a whole,” she said.

Jowett, who had to rehome her chickens after learning about the township’s rules, pointed to the educational value of keeping chickens for her children and the environmental benefits they offer, such as pest control and garden maintenance.

“They’re great to have and my kids helped take care of them,” she said. “It helped them learn about responsibilities.”

Jim Ennis, Middletown Township’s director of building and zoning, said the township is not presently considering any changes at this time to rules related to backyard chickens.

Middletown Township officials do receive complaints about backyard chickens “due to noise disturbances, property maintenance issues, harboring and attracting rodents, and poor sanitary conditions,” Ennis said.

Middletown Township Municipal Complex. Credit: Middletown Township

In 2021, a family in the Parkland section of Middletown contested fines for keeping chickens and goats, but the Zoning Board ruled against them, maintaining that livestock and poultry are only permitted in agricultural zones, the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

The petition has sparked mixed reactions from residents on social media in recent week.

While some support easing restrictions, citing personal food security and sustainability, others express concerns over potential noise and odors.

In support of the petition, one resident wrote: “I believe it should be the homeowners right to have chickens in their own yard and that there is absolutely no reason as to why anyone would not be allowed to raise their own birds to provide food for their family.”

“Chickens should absolutely be allowed. But please no roosters!” another said.

Fullan and Jowett plan to bring their proposal for easing restrictions before the Middletown Township Zoning Hearing Board at their public meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Complex.

Advertisement