- February 4, 2025
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Port Orange City Councilman Scott Stiltner didn't chicken out — He was the only person on the council on Jan. 22, to vote against an ordinance to allow the urban chicken program to become permanent in the city.
The ordinance passed 3-1. Stiltner said he has been against permitting urban chickens since the program was introduced two years ago.
“We have a wide array of animal control issues already in our city and historically,” Stiltner said. “A large part of that is from some residents not properly caring for and managing their pets on their own properties without impacting the quality of life of their neighbors.”
In 2018, Stiltner received an email from some residents who live next to a home that had chickens. The disgruntled neighbors complained of the smell, noise, build-up of chicken waste in the soil and the increase of predators, like hawks, in the neighborhood.
He hopes that the urban chicken program does not create more conflicts, and thinks about the additional strain the urban chicken program will put on Port Orange’s animal control department.
“Overall, I just do not feel as though such a program is a good fit for most areas within the Port Orange community,” Stiltner said.
There are strict rules and regulations about owning chickens in Port Orange. A maximum of 30 chicken permits can be in the city at one time. They are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Owners of permits are responsible for obtaining any homeowner association approvals before bringing chickens to their property.
In addition, there are specific regulations about fence height, type of fence, total number of chickens allowed on a single family dwelling, setback requirements and size of chicken coops with which owners must comply.
