A conversation with code enforcement supervisor ...

I called Code Enforcement today and spoke with a supervisor. He was respectful, professional and transparent. I asked him several questions and he was willing to answer them. I will paraphrase our conversation.

? - Do you deal with many chicken complaints?

A - No. Not many. About 25 a year.

? - What is usually the nature of someone calling you about chickens.

A - Two main categories: Just a general statement of they have chickens with no reference to a nuisance and noise from a rooster.

? - If City Council changed the ordinance do you think you would have an increase of chicken calls?

A - No.

The supervisor and I shared our personal stories of being around animals when younger, and I was left with the impression that if my call was not a work related one that he would have been an open backyard hen supporter, and we would have been on our way to becoming friends. I really appreciated his honesty and genuineness.

We discussed how the people who want chickens go out and get them, that the culture of Bakersfield regarding hen ownership is one of acceptance, and that there are lots of homes in R-1 zoning that currently have chickens with no issues at all. He even suggested several ideas to get support from city government, such as, researching the total number of complaints before and after a city approved an urban hen policy.

Thank you supervisor of Code Enforcement. You made me feel listened to.