RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee has suggested starting a pilot program allowing residents within city limits to have hens.
Committee Chair Darla Drew said younger generations were interested in raising hens and wanted to give them an opportunity to try it.
The committee put forth the following recommendations:
– A license from the Humane Society of the Black Hills would need to be obtained to raise hens
– Hens are only allowed on single family zoned properties
– No more than four hens at a licensed property
– Only hens are allowed
– Hens will have to be housed in a secure, predator-proof, well-ventilated structure
– The fenced area and structure cannot be located in a front or side yard, or by a drainage area
– Pens will have to be sanitary and well-kept as well as fenced
Drew did say that as of now, the Humane Society is against the idea. A compromise or some form of agreement would have to be reached with the organization as they would be supplying the permits.
Drew asked City Attorney Joel Landeen as well as Community Development Director Ken Young to work together with their departments to develop a draft for the pilot, to present at the next council meeting, which will take place Monday night.
