Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – PUBLIC HEARING
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MONA EBRAHIMI, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE: FEBRUYARY 5, 2025
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF AN URGENCY ORDINANCE AND INTRODUCTION AND
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ATHERTON
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.04 RELATED TO THE REGULATION OF
CHICKENS
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached Urgency Ordinance and introduction and first reading by title only of an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code relating to chickens.
BACKGROUND
In 2016, the City Council of the Town of Atherton amended Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code to enact regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. The ordinance was enacted.
San Mateo County has historically handled animal control responsibilities for the Town of Atherton and other cities within San Mateo County. In 2023, in an effort to better coordinate with San Mateo County, Chapter 6.04 was deleted and reenacted to create a uniform and orderly administration of the County's animal control program. However, as reenacted, there was an inadvertent omission of any regulation relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. This ordinance would reenact the provision of the code enacted in 2016 relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
An urgency ordinance is being proposed because unregulated keeping of chickens on private property could result in excessive noise, odors, and health issues to surrounding neighbors. Thus, immediate enactment of the ordinance is necessary to preserve the health and safety.
Animal Control Ordinance
January 30, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
ANALYSIS
Currently, Chapter 6.04 of the Town of Atherton Municipal Code does not provide for regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property. This ordinance would reenact the previous regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property that were enacted in 2016.
POLICY FOCUS
Amendment of the ordinance is a significant issue for the City Council. Having regulations relating to the keeping of chickens on private property is important to maintain the health and safety of people in the Town of Atherton.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact in approving this ordinance relating to the keeping of chickens on private property.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposal has been determined to be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Section 15305, minor alterations in land use limitation.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
1. Protect the health and safety of people in the Town of Atherton by reasonably regulating the keeping of chickens on private property.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,600 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders – to include, but not limited to media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire District, service providers (water, power, and sewer) and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item ____ has or __ has not been before a Town Committee or Commission. ____ Audit/Finance Committee (meets every other month)
____ Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
Animal Control Ordinance
January 30, 2025
4907-1231-3862.1 014537.009
____ Civic Center Advisory Committee (meets as needed)
____ Environmental Programs Committee (meets every other month) ____ Park and Recreation Committee (meets each month)
____ Planning Commission (meets each month)
____ Rail Committee (meets every other month)
____ Transportation Committee (meets every other month) ____ Tree Committee (meets each month)
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT 1 – Urgency Ordinance NO. 669
ATTACHMENT 2 – Ordinance NO.671