Why does it matter if you can raise chickens in Redmond? Three hens can provide an abundance of protein-rich eggs right in your backyard. In addition to being fresh and delicious, some studies have shown “pastured” eggs provide more nutrients than commercial eggs. Food safety is also a growing focus, highlighted by the recent recall of over half a billion commercially-grown eggs.
Redmond is a wonderful city and we applaud their efforts to be livable and green. They’ve taken big steps like building City Hall to be an award-winning “green” building, but the Council continues to resist this small step that would allow individual citizens to contribute to their own health and to Redmond’s sustainable future.
What is more important? Winning an award for installing water-free toilets? Or allowing your citizens to contribute to a more sustainable community one hen (and 1 egg) at a time? If sustainability is really a goal, then Redmond should join all of our surrounding communities and change its ordinance to allow a small number of backyard hens on average residential lots.
As with any issue, it takes more than a few voices to promote change. Please join us by emailing your Redmond City Council at Council@redmond.gov and contact us at chickensinredmond@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook – look for Chickens in Redmond.
The author's email: chickensinredmond@gmail.com
Photo from Google Images
Even if chickens are allowed in Redmond, there are a number of neighborhoods with Codes and Covenants that do not allow for livestock.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty typical situation. Last year in Woodinvile, which apparently allows chickens, I sold a home on a lot that was larger than a half acre. Before we sold it, there was a buyer interested in the home, but they could not have ducks (or chickens for that matter). The neighborhood restrictions did not allow for any livestock or fowl.
Restrictions such as these are fairly common in a number of the eastside neighborhoods.