Pasco County Allows Backyard Hens on Residential Properties Under New Ordinance

Pasco County passed a law letting homeowners keep up to four hens on their property. This applies across all residential areas. The rule makes hen ownership legal countywide, which changes prior restrictions that confined hens to specific zones.

Homeowners don't need permits to keep hens. The birds must stay in a coop, and roosters can't be on residential properties.

"Essentially, persons who previously were not allowed to have chickens in residential properties are now allowed to do so," said Amandla Hill with Pasco County's Planning, Development and Economic Growth Department, according to Bay News 9.

Hill said the law helps residents know where their food originates. "The idea is that persons would have a better idea as to where their food comes from and, therefore, they have that locally sourced eggs instead of having to get it from a grocery store," Hill said. They can gather fresh eggs at home instead of buying them at stores.

Some homeowners have started keeping hens. McKenna Scott, a 10-year-old from New Port Richey, cares for three hens named Sunny, Willow, and Charlotte in her backyard.

"It's crazy how they have their own personalities. Like, you just know," said McKenna Scott. She decided to keep hens after a friend's family had one. Each bird acts different.

Nicole Scott, McKenna's mother, said the hens have taught her daughter responsibility. "I really just think it's helped her with responsibility and, honestly, it's just kind of given her something to look forward to every day," Nicole Scott said. The girl wakes up excited to check on them.

The family sometimes takes the hens downtown for walks. "We'll even take them downtown with us for a walk and everybody loves it," said Nicole Scott. People stop to watch and ask questions.

Hill said residents were pleased when the county adopted this law. "So I do believe that residents were really happy when we were able to get this ordinance adopted," Hill said. Many had wanted this change for years.

Classes will begin in January for homeowners who want to learn about keeping hens. The county will offer instruction. New owners can attend sessions to discover proper care methods, feeding schedules, and coop maintenance.