MANSFIELD — Legislation allowing backyard chicken coops in Mansfield is scheduled for a first read by Mansfield City Council on Tuesday.
Local lawmakers are not scheduled to vote until Dec. 16 on the ordinance, a change being sought by a citizens’ group called the Friends for Mansfield Backyard Chickens.
Council opened discussions on the topic at its Nov. 18 meeting, a proposal that would allow a maximum of six hens (no roosters) on properties within city limits.
A different version of a similar proposal was rejected in 2017 by an entirely different group of city lawmakers after several meetings with residents.
No current council members spoke against the idea during the November meeting, which included residents both for and against such backyard birds during public participation.
Here are the highlights of the new Mansfield ordinance as currently proposed:
— Hen keeping shall be permitted on any lot developed with a one-family or two family dwelling. Hen keeping shall be prohibited on lots containing multi-family dwellings, mixed-use structures, or commercial/industrial uses. No roosters are allowed.
— No hens shall be kept without prior registration with the city’s Permitting and Development Division.
— An initial application shall include the following:
A. Owner and property information;
B. Number of hens (not to exceed six (6) per property);
C. Site plan showing coop and run location meeting the setback requirements of Chapter 1175.02 Accessory Buildings and Uses of the Mansfield Codified Ordinances;
D. Proof of successful completion of the Ohio State University Backyard Poultry Course or
equivalent program approved by the City;
E. Payment of a one-time initial registration fee of $100.
F. Rental properties require expressed written consent by the owner or authorized agent;
G. Any additional reasonable information needed to establish the ability and intent to conform to this code.
During the November meeting, First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns praised the city administration and the citizens’ group for working together on the proposal.
“One of the things that we’ve talked about a lot in the last two years is the integration of the community into the efforts that we make here at City Hall. This has been an excellent example of that.
“The way that this discussion was handled, and the thoughtfulness that went into the preparation of this legislation is much appreciated,” Burns said.
She pointed to parts of the legislation that prohibit roosters, limit hens to six and the requirements residents will need to meet before launching a backyard chicken coop.
“This a very thoughtfully laid out piece of legislation,” Burns said.
City Council is also scheduled Tuesday to:
— consider legislation related to pursuing a $1 million state grant to be used for the demolition of the West Park Shopping Center on Park Avenue West.
— vote on the 2026 temporary city budget as proposed in November by Mayor Jodie Perry and Finance Director Kelly Converse.
— vote to accept a $1.3 million COPS hiring program grant through the U.S. Dept. of Justice.
— vote to accept a $300 grant from Kokosing to purchase new traffic vests for the Mansfield Police Department Cadets program.
— vote to accept a $1,445 grant from Frederick Haring to be used for a park bench at the Sterkel Dog Park in memory of his late wife, Linda.
— discuss during caucus a new City of Mansfield cybersecurity program.
— discuss during caucus spending up to $49,999.89 for a new Bobcat compact excavator. The value of the new equipment is $82,199.89 and the city will trade in a current excavator for a credit of $32,200.
— vote to use city PRIDE funds to demolish dilapidated structures at 41 Chestnut St., 368 Harding Road, 79 Eleanor Ave., 571 Springmill St., 436 Grace St., 132 Hedges St., 501 Springmill St., 1111 Boyle Road and 513 W. Fourth St.
Council has scheduled a claims committee meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. An economic development committee is scheduled for 6:20 p.m. and a finance committee meeting at 6:30.
Council caucus is scheduled for 7 p.m. with the legislative session following immediately thereafter.
(Below is a PDF showing legislation scheduled for Mansfield City Council on Tuesday.)
