Citizens seeking to address city ordinances regarding backyard chickens

I received this email from a group of Chelsea residents who are interested in addressing the city ordinance restricting the ownership of chickens. Here is more information:

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Interested in owning chickens (hens only!), but live in town?
We're looking for fellow citizens interested in addressing the current ordinance which restricts chicken ownership within City limit to properties 5 acres and larger. We are putting together the paperwork necessary to be added to the May 26th city council meeting. We will present the 'Agenda Item' requesting city council to revise the current ordinance restrictions on ownership of chickens within the city limits of Chelsea. The current ordinances allows chicken ownership, but only on a minimum of 5 acres. Please pass this along to like-minded chicken-supporters and feel free to contact us with any questions, comments etc!!

The contact info below is brand-new, please include with the post and feel free to join us!

• Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChelseaChickens
• Group email address: ChelseaChickens@yahoogroups.com

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Also of interest:
In June of 2008, the city of Ann Arbor passed an ordinance allowing residents to keep chickens (hens) in their backyards. Residents can keep up to four hens, if neighbors ok it.

• See A2 City Chickens to learn more.
• Read the backyard chickens permit for Ann Arbor (pdf file on a2gov.org website).
• Backyard chickens approved for Ann Arbor (Michigan Daily, June 8, 2008)
• Ann Arbor residents aren't rushing to bring chickens home to roost (MLive.com 9/10/08)

Related links:

• Chelsea City Council home page
  
• City of Chelsea, MI list of zoning ordinances

I called the city offices to inquire about the ordinance. The exact wording is this: "A minimum land area of five acres shall be required for raising or keeping of animals or poultry." (Source: CITY OF CHELSEA ZONING ORDINANCES ARTICLE 4 - ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS)

For myself personally? After taking care of the house, the kids, the dog, the business and more.... the last thing I need is one more thing to feed and clean up after. You'll see me at the Farmer's Market. :)

What do you think?