Winter Park known for peacocks, but backyard chickens on the way

Winter Park is testing out a backyard chicken program over the next two years as a way of increasing residents’ options to eat local.

Twenty five permits are available to set up a backyard chicken coop with up to four hens that provide a supply of fresh eggs.

City commissioners approved the pilot program Wednesday but nixed a recommendation from an advisory board that home owners get permission from adjacent residents to house poultry in the neighborhood.

Mayor Steve Leary was the only vote against the program. He cited multiple reasons for opposition including salmonella concerns, providing hunting ground for coyotes and that clucking chickens don’t align with the city’s image.

“I don’t see backyard chickens as a Winter Park thing. I know that may sound arrogant or snotty and I don’t mean it that way,” he said. “When I think of Winter Park, I think of Park Avenue, Hannibal Square, I think of the homes, I think of the lakes. I just don’t think of chickens.”

But Commissioner Todd Weaver, who championed the initiative for months, noted that the city’s symbol is a peacock, a distant relative of a chicken that can often be seen strutting down Winter Park streets.

“We relish having them in town,” he said.

Like neighboring cities, Winter Park’s chicken program costs $50 for a permit but is on a smaller scale.

Orlando allows up to100 permits for its program, 75 of which are already taken. Maitland has issued 10 of 50 permits available.

The chickens are for personal use so residents can’t sell eggs, feathers or manure for composting. Hens can lay eggs by themselves so roosters and any other type of bird aren’t allowed.