Sanford family loses appeal to keep chickens

SANFORD, N.C. — A family that hoped to be allowed to keep 14 chickens in their back yard lost their appeal to Sanford’s Code Enforcement department on Tuesday.

The decision meant the Reid family had to bring the birds to a farm outside the Sanford city limits. An ordinance prohibits poultry, swine or goats within the city.

The Reid family has had the chickens more than three years. During that time, the birds have won prizes at county and state fairs.

The city cites concerns about noise, smell and health.

Alexandra Reid said other cities allow chicken coops. She recently lobbied for the City Council to change the ordinance, proposing rules for chicken coops in the city. She suggested the coops be kept neat and fully covered and be located on large pieces of land at least 50 feet from a dwelling.