Shepherdsville, Ky. – A public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall will give local homeowners a chance to voice support or concerns over a proposed ordinance that would let property owners keep a small number of chickens on their yards.
Proponents cite family freedom and food security
Community activist Jessica Hoch has been gathering signatures for a petition urging the council to lift the current ban. “Speak up for everybody. Speak up for your chickens. Speak up for your neighbors,” Hoch told reporters, emphasizing the right of homeowners to decide what they can do on their own property.
Hoch argues that allowing chickens gives families greater control over the food they serve at the table. “Freedom to do what you want in your own yard, your own property—especially if you own your home,” she said.
Outside the city limits, resident Brandy Yates also backs the measure, noting that fresh eggs provide a reliable source of nutrition for her family and allow her to share with neighbors. “That’s our right to care for our families, our children, to give them good, good food. We know what’s in it,” Yates added.
City officials outline safety and health safeguards
City Councilmember Jennifer Mendez explained that the draft ordinance would include specific requirements for coops, fencing and other conditions designed to protect public health and maintain neighborhood aesthetics. “There are coop requirements and fencing requirements and stuff like that. So people would really have to look at the ordinance,” Mendez said.
Mayor Jose Cubero expressed reservations, stating he does not want chickens roaming residential streets but is willing to listen to resident input. “I do not want to see chickens in the residential areas, but I’m willing to listen to the concerns of the residents,” Cubero said in a statement.
Rising grocery costs fuel interest
Councilmember Mendez highlighted that the high price of groceries is part of the conversation. Many residents see backyard chickens as a way to offset grocery bills by producing their own eggs. “A lot of people, their complaints are the prices of groceries. So they would like to have chickens so they can raise their own eggs,” she noted.
Next steps
The public hearing will allow citizens to present testimony for or against the ordinance. After the hearing, the council is expected to vote on the proposal within the next two weeks.
Should the ordinance pass, Shepherdsville would join a growing number of Kentucky municipalities that have adopted similar measures, offering homeowners a modest, regulated way to increase food self‑sufficiency while preserving neighborhood safety.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
