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

Home Browse Search

• (C) Permits-A building permit issued by the City is required for any accessory structure more than one-hundred and twenty(120) square feet. No permit is required for a chicken coop or chicken pen that does not exceed one-hundred and twenty(120) square feet. (D) Non-Commercial Use Only- The keeping of chickens authorized under this section shall be limited non-commercial uses only. Commercial activities are prohibited. Chickens authorized under this section shall be kept as pets or for personal use only. Eggs and chicken manure shall not be sold. There shall be no butchering of chickens on the premises. (E) The chicken coop, chicken pens, and surrounding area shall be kept clean, dry, odor-free, and in a neat and sanitary condition at all times. All manure,uneaten feed, and other trash shall be removed daily, and disposed of in a sanitary manner. The property owner shall take all necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites. (F) Location. i. Chicken coops shall be located at least fifteen(15) feet from any property line, and at least twenty(20) feet from the nearest residential dwelling. ii. Chicken coops and chicken pens shall be located behind the residential structure. iii. City residents who do not have adequate space on their property will not be allowed to own chickens. (G) Permit Required; Permit Revocation. i. A permit shall be required through the Department of Code Enforcement. Compliance with the requirements of this Section shall create a presumption that the permitted use does not create a nuisance or threat to public health or safety. The permit shall, however, be revoked if the Code Enforcement Administrator determines that the permitted use does create a nuisance or detriment to public health or safety. ii. Violation of ordinance standards shall result in permit revocation, and possible enforcement under Article 10, Enforcement, including civil penalties. Misrepresentation by a permittee shall result in the voiding and revocation of an issued permit.In the case of the voiding and revocation of an issued permit, all chickens, chicken coops, chicken pens and associated equipment shall be removed from the property. (H) Additional requirements for the keeping of chickens shall be found in Chapter 5 Animals and Fowl.