This article reports on a Warren County Board of Supervisors public hearing where a proposed zoning text amendment to allow one rooster on Residential-One properties of one acre or more drew strong public interest. A majority of speakers supported the amendment, while others raised concerns about noise, lot size, and enforcement. Following the discussion, the Board unanimously voted to table the proposal to allow staff and the Planning Commission time to refine the ordinance before a potential March vote.

My participation (as reported)

The article notes that I spoke first in the public hearing and places my comments among those favoring the amendment, with a 10–3 majority of speakers supporting the proposal.

Context regarding my remarks

While the article groups my comments among those favoring the amendment, my remarks did not support the proposal “as is.”

While I acknowledged that the county was moving toward a reasonable compromise, my comments did not support the amendment “as is.” I explicitly raised concerns about the lack of a clear, measurable standard for “soundproofing” and recommended an enforceable test—namely, that roosters should not be audible inside neighboring homes. Without such a standard, I stated that the ordinance would be difficult for staff and law enforcement to enforce consistently.

Update

The Royal Examiner later issued a correction and apology, clarifying that I did not support the amendment “as is.” They quoted my statement as follows:

While I acknowledged that the county was moving toward a reasonable approach, my comments explicitly raised concerns about the lack of a clear, measurable standard for ‘soundproofing.’ I did not speak in favor of the amendment ‘as is’.

They also updated the photo caption to reflect that I was not among the 9-4 majority speaking in favor of the proposal as presented.