Birds and bees permitted without charge in Ukiah backyards after council eases rules

The Ukiah City Council has given final approval to an ordinance that will allow residents to have animals like hens and rabbits on their properties without paying a fee and going through a Planning Commission review.

At its Sept. 3 meeting, the Ukiah City Council unanimously passed a proposal that will streamline the process for city residents to have hens, rabbits or beehives on their properties. The council gave initial approval to the ordinance last month.