Amending Chapter 5 Addressing Urban Chickens

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Urban Chicken Text Ordinance to Amend Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code Page 2 The maximum number of such animals which may be maintained on such property shall be determined in light of current animal husbandry and veterinarian standards. (b) Any person desiring to raise rabbits as pets or racing or homing pigeons within the City limits must keep such animals and birds in safe and sanitary conditions so that a public nuisance as defined herein is not created. (c) In no event shall the shelter and feeding area for any of the animals or fowl herein be closer than fifty(50) feet from the adjoining property line. (d) Bees must be kept in accordance with the following provisions: (1) If bee colonies are kept within fifty (50) feet of any exterior boundary of the property on which the hive, stand or box is located, a barrier shall be erected that will prevent bees from flying through it. (2) Fresh, clean watering facilities for bees shall be provided on the said premises. (3) The bees and equipment shall be kept in accordance with the provisions of State statutes. Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to prohibit the keeping of bees in a hive, stand or box located or kept within a zoological park, school or university building for the purpose of study or observation. Section II. Section 5-16 of Chapter 5, Article 3of the South Bend Municipal Code is amended to read as follows: Sec. 5-16 Reserved. Urban Chicken Regulations. (a) "Urban Chicken" means a chicken living in the city limits officially known as gallus domesticus, which is a domestic bird. It does not include other fowl, such as, but not limited to roosters, peacocks, turkeys or waterfowl. Urban chickens are governed by the zoning regulations set forth in Section 21-02.11 of this Code addressing Residential District zoning regulations. (b) "Chicken coop" also referred to as chicken pen means an enclosure or enclosed structure used for housing urban chickens which provides shelter from the elements which must meet the standards set forth in Section 21-02.11 of this Code. (c) "Chicken flock"means more that one (1)urban chicken which: (1) Contains no more than six(6)hens and no roosters; and (2) Is issued a permit pursuant to Section 21-02.11 of this Code.