Public invited to comment on backyard chicken amendment

Sarasota County is inviting public comment next week as it considers amending its zoning code to allow for backyard chickens.  

The amendment would allow for chickens in areas zoned Residential Single Family, but only those outside the city limits of North Port, Sarasota, Venice and Longboat Key. The city of Sarasota passed its own ordinance in 2011 that allows for up to four chickens in residential areas, but prohibits roosters. 

The county’s zoning amendment will also likely include prohibitions on roosters as well as limitations on the the number of chickens allowed and distance of coops from property lines.

Public workshops will be held in Sarasota on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. at 1660 Ringling Blvd. and in Venice on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail.