Ordinance 02-2025 Amending chapter 51 of the code in regards to chickens

Jun 16, 2026 | 2025, Ordinances

ORDINANCE 02-2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKESIDE PARK, IN KENTON COUNTY, KENTUCKY, AMENDING CHAPTER 51 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED “ANIMAL

SERVICES,” TO AUTHORIZE RAISING CHICKENS.

WHEREAS, there were no chicken ownership restrictions in Lakeside Park before 2015, and the current ordinance creates hardship for residents by disrupting established circumstances for those who owned chickens prior to the restrictions; and

WHEREAS, residents of Lakeside Park have expressed a desire to raise pet chickens for recreational and mental health benefits, especially for families and individuals with special needs; and

WHEREAS, the rising cost of eggs and other food staples has put significant financial strain on families, making self-sufficiency and local food production increasingly important for residents; and

WHEREAS, requests from Lakeside Park residents have highlighted a desire to

legally own chickens, demonstrating the demand for such an opportunity within the community; and

WHEREAS, an open records request seeking to inspect all complaints on chickens in Lakeside Park from January 2014 – March 2025 determined that no such records exist; and

WHEREAS, section 50.009 of the city’s nuisance code includes policies addressing foul odors, specifically in subsections (L) and (O); and

WHEREAS, section 50.009 of the city’s nuisance code covers feeding practices that may lead to unsanitary conditions in subsection (V); and

WHEREAS, these updates provide appropriate legislation to ensure the protection of private property rights and the public health, safety and welfare of its residents, including but not limited to those residents who live next door or adjacent to residents with chickens.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF LAKESIDE PARK, KENTUCKY:

SECTION I

That Chapter 51 “ANIMAL SERVICES” of the Lakeside Park, Kentucky Code of Ordinances shall be amended to include a new section numbered as Section 51.109, to read as follows:

§ 51.109 CHICKENS
  • Raising chickens
    • It shall be lawful to keep or raise chickens in the city for personal, family, or home use.
    • The chickens’ housing shall: be in a structure with a roof; be enclosed on all sides; have adequate ventilation; allow free movement for each bird; be able to be locked and secured to ensure chickens can not run at large or leave the housing and are safe from predators; be designed to be easily accessed, cleaned and maintained by the owners.
    • Stored feed must be kept in a rodent- and predator-proof
    • The housing shall be a minimum of twenty-five feet (25’) from the nearest residence, not including the residence of the owner of the chickens. For the purposes of this section, “residence” shall be defined to include both the principal structure and any decks, porches or sunrooms attached to the principal
    • It shall be unlawful for any person to raise a rooster in the

SECTION II

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent

jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.

SECTION III

This Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and approval.

SECTION IV

Publication of this Ordinance is hereby authorized to be by summary publication in accordance with Kentucky Law.