Sonoma says yes to chickens, no to roosters

An ordinance making it easier to keep chickens and rabbits in the city of Sonoma was passed by the City Council late Wednesday, but to address the possibility of noise complaints, roosters were banned.

The ordinance was approved on a 5-0 vote and will be back before the council at its Sept. 3 meeting for final approval.

The effort to bring more chickens and rabbits into the city is part of a nationwide movement for healthier food and reducing the transportation of food, supporters said.

The new rules will let anyone in Sonoma have 16 chickens and eight rabbits no matter what the lot size, and allow larger numbers on lots over 10,000 square feet.

The council set a maximum number of chickens and rabbits allowed at 50 on lots over 10,000 square feet, and amended the proposed ordinance to ban roosters. Roosters were to be allowed on large lots.

Residents are still required to get a permit, costing $123, and adhere to strict rules governing the construction of henhouses, rabbit pens and enclosures.