City Council Invites Public to Talk Fowl 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council will host a Public Hearing on May 6 in advance of a vote seeking to ban roosters in Saratoga Springs.   

Inevitable jokes aside, “this is serious to a lot of people,” city Mayor John Safford said. 

Current City regulations set crowing cock noise restrictions from midnight to 7 a.m. The amendment would not allow roosters to be kept at any time on any property in the city, excepting as part of a farming or agricultural business in conformance with the UDO. 

“We intend to eliminate roosters throughout the entire city. Right now, they’re just allowed, in part, in the inner (tax) district,” said Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll.    

“Over the last few years, we’ve had a half-dozen complaints about roosters. Obviously, they’re very noisy. The UDO covers a hen house which has certain specifics – but I think a ‘no rooster’ ordinance is appropriate,” Coll said. 

The amendment specifies the term “rooster” as any adult male domestic chicken or any adult male bird capable of crowing. 

Hens, which lay eggs, would still be permissible. Area municipalities have similar ordinances.  

The cities of Albany and Rensselaer and the village of Ballston Spa all prohibit roosters, but each allows up to six hens via respective local licensing and permitting processes. Some require the written consent of nearby residents, while others are subject to noise provisions. The town of Wilton also prohibits roosters but allows up to 12 female chickens via a $20 permit fee, with a $10 annual renewal cost. The cities of Schenectady and Mechanicville prohibit altogether the keeping of any livestock or poultry. 

“We’re going to give homeowners at least several months to re-home the rooster,” Coll said. “Our code enforcement officers right now are looking for establishments that will accept the roosters.”    

The public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 at City Hall in Saratoga Springs, in advance of that night’s council meeting.