Corona del Mar lots are closer to 3,500 square feet.
"It's about whether we're going to let barnyard animals in neighborhoods that are not equipped for them," said Councilman Keith Curry. "And in my judgment, Corona del Mar is not a neighborhood that is well-equipped for barnyard animals."
The birds' owner, Michael Resk, made an entreaty that was half amusing — he didn't mean to ruffle feathers — and half agonizing. He spoke of "unconscionable malice," referring to his allegation that his neighbor tried to poison the birds.
That neighbor, Maggie McFarland, made her own plea to the council. She said she originally liked the birds, but turned feather when they began to wake her and her young daughter.
She described hawks that were stalking the fowl, vermin droppings and a "dairy smell."
"There really is no quiet enjoyment," she said.
Mayor Nancy Gardner, who lives a few blocks away, said she once thought of raising chickens, but then realized they were against the city code. Although she originally asked the council to consider changing the law, Gardner said a resident convinced her that it would be unfair.
People expect dogs and cats when they move to most Newport Beach neighborhoods, she said, but not chickens.
Now Resk has about 14 days to remove the birds. He said the owner of the Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery was willing to take them.
"They brought me a lot of joy and they taught me a lot of lessons," Resk said after the meeting.
Resk wants to move out of state — to Dallas, possibly — because McFarland bothered him so much. Before then, he is planning a farewell party for the hens on Feb. 24 or 25.
mike.reicher@latimes.com
Twitter: @mreicher
