Amending Chapter 21 Allow the Raising & Care of Chickens as an Accessory use

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• Section IL Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code,Article 2 Residential Districts, Section 21-02.11 General Regulations for Residential District, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, as follows: (a) Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures. (4) Additional Development Standards for Chickens, Chicken Coops, and Chicken Pens. The purpose of this section is to authorize and provide standards for the keeping of chickens and the establishment of chicken coops and chicken pens. It is intended to enable residents to responsibly keep a small number of chickens on a non-commercial basis while limiting the potential adverse impacts on the surrounding properties: (A) Chickens. i. The keeping of chickens shall be allowed only in the SF1 and SF2 Single Residential Districts and shall further be subject to the following regulations: ii. Number and Types of Chickens Allowed. a. The maximum number of chickens allowed is six(6)per Dwelling, Single Family. b. Only female chickens are allowed. Roosters are specifically prohibited: c. No chickens allowed in multi-family dwellings. (B) Enclosures. i. A chicken coop and chicken pen shall be provided. During daylight hours, chickens may be located in the chicken pen. ii. The chicken coop shall be enclosed with solid material on all sides and have a solid roof and door(s). The coop shall be at least eighteen(18) inches high, and provide at least one (1) square foot of floor area per chicken. Traditional building materials shall be used. Doors shall be constructed so that they can shut and lock. Vents, covered with wire,will be placed as necessary for adequate ventilation. The coop shall be impermeable to rodents,wild birds, and predators, including dogs and cats. iii. The chicken pen shall be constructed of traditional building materials and be predator-proof. The pen shall provide at least two (2) square feet of area per chicken. The fence shall rise no more than six(6) feet above the ground. The pen shall be covered with wire, aviary netting, or solid roofing.