A proposed ordinance to allow backyard chickens in the City of Lorain failed to advance during the June 17 City Council meeting, halting efforts to legalize limited urban hen ownership — at least for now.
The legislation, which would have amended Chapter 505 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances by adding Section 505.25, aimed to permit residents to keep chickens within city limits under specific conditions. However, the ordinance did not move forward after two separate motions failed — one to refer the measure to a subcommittee, and another to suspend the three-reading rule for immediate action.
With neither motion passing, the ordinance remains at its first reading and is expected to return for a second reading at a future meeting.
The issue has drawn substantial public attention, both in council chambers and across social media platforms. Dozens of residents have weighed in with a wide range of perspectives.
Current Ward 6 Councilman Angel Arroyo Jr. publicly addressed the topic on Facebook, writing, “I’m ok with up to 6 [chickens] & presented legislation last time on council that was passed unanimously then vetoed by the Mayor. But I believe we have other issues to deal with. I will not support 12 chickens, but open to suggestions & opinions.”
Some residents voiced strong opposition to the idea. “Big NO for me. We need to work on cleaning up the city. You want chickens, move to the country,” wrote Rhonda Hembree. Others challenged that view, including David Michael, who replied, “What have you done to ‘clean up the city’ that wouldn’t have been possible if people had chickens?”
Supporters of the ordinance cited food security, sustainability, and pest control. “There’s not much difference in having 6 or 12,” wrote Jessica Lynn. “If I’m responsible and take care of them… what’s it to you? Many people already have them all over South Lorain.”
Some residents expressed concerns about enforcement. “People can’t even keep track of their dogs,” wrote one commenter. “You think they will keep a chicken coop clean? Chicken poop is toxic.”
Others advocated for a compromise. “Twelve is too many,” wrote Kara Afrates. “I am okay with 2 to 4 hens per parcel. I don’t think a permit should be required… but setback requirements and coop size requirements are needed.”
One resident, MrJunior Soto, described a personal impact, saying he was ordered by the city to remove chickens from his property. “Our chickens depend on us as much as we depend on them,” Soto wrote in a public post. “It is impossible to relocate 14 chickens and ensure they are going to a safe location. None of my neighbors have ever complained.”
Councilmembers did not hold extended debate on the ordinance during the meeting. No amendments were offered from the floor.
Unless the legislation is amended, withdrawn, or tabled, it is expected to proceed through the standard legislative process and appear again for a second reading.
Lorain City Council’s next scheduled meeting is expected to take place in early July.