This means chickenwar: Liberty Co. neighborhood battles officials over backyard coops
Apr 01, 2025
LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — A group of Liberty County residents is pushing back against a county ordinance that prohibits backyard chicken coops within 300 feet of any home.
They said they have kept chickens for years without issue—until a neighbor began reporting them for violations.
“
The only house that they’re within 300 feet of is my own, so the code protects me from my own chickens, apparently,” said Ben Banks, a resident of the Lake George neighborhood.
Banks said his chicken coop has provided fresh eggs for years. However, he was recently cited for violating a county code because his coop is about 25 feet too close to his home.
Weiss and other homeowners said their neighbor’s complaints have led to an ongoing legal battle over their backyard flocks.
“I’m a retired Marine; I’m a retired trucker. I just had my 68th birthday, and this is the first battle I’m getting involved in—for chickens. I love the girls,” said William Weiss, another resident. “The chickens have touched me in a way no other animal has.”
After gaining traction among their neighbors in a Facebook group online they mobilized, hoping to change the county’s ordinance through their elected officials.
"We felt really optimistic at first. That optimism fainted quickly," said Banks. "Our commissioner... showed little care for us that live in a residential district."
Liberty County Assistant County Administrator Joseph Moseley said the commission has no plans to change the ordinance.
Banks said they have tried to find a middle ground, with no luck.
“We elected them to do a job, and if they’re not representing us as their constituents and adopting reasonable code that Bryan and Chatham counties have no problem adopting, then we’ll resolve it—it just might be a longer road than a short road,” Banks said.
Banks said if their commission doesn't budge soon, they'll be brooding a grudge until the next election season.
Residents said they will continue fighting for their chickens, despite not getting a spot on the county's agenda. They plan to attend the county commission meetings, dressed in chicken-themed costumes and T-shirts, in an effort to make their voices heard. ...read more read less
