Help! I need to change zone to allow chickens

Hello everyone,

I can't wait to actively participate in this exciting online community! I live in a mountain town in CA that currently doesn't allow chickens. Actually, the community services district (CSD) adheres to the county zone codes that allow horses, but do not allow any other farm animals in our area, including chickens, even though the lots are large and it's clearly "county living".

I'm retiring soon and want to start a coop with a few laying hens. My first time, but a dream of mine since I was a kid. I was told that the CSD won't enforce the "No Chicken Law" unless a neighbor complains, but I don't want to leave it to chance and the hope that my neighbors remain friendly. Needless to say, no rooster for me!

Anyway, I plan on setting up a meeting with the CSD board soon and have already begun my research in the surrounding areas to see who allows chickens and who doesn't, and what action needs to take place to get the wheels in motion to change the law in our area. Any thoughts and/or tips from you that may have had a similar situation is greatly appreciated!

You might take a look at this article and the links in it (if you haven't already):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-laws-and-ordinances-and-how-to-change-them

It's good you're going about getting chickens this way...too often people try to have "stealth" chickens and then bemoan having to get rid of them and fined.

I wish you well and lots of luck!

Thank you so much for this valuable information. Only one hour in and already on my way!!

Hello and welcome. I second taking a look at the link that was given above lots of good information given and it seems like you are heading in the right direction. Talk to your neighbors get them involved see what the majority of the town would like to see. Good luck in your venture!!!

I just happened to think of another place you could find some support...check in with your state thread. You can get there with this link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

You could find other members living close by that want to help change the rules. You may also find out what other towns close to you are doing to change their rules.

Yes, great idea to get other chickeners in your area to rally round you in support. Even Chicago allows chickens!

I will, thank you all so much!

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

Thank you so much. I can already see that I'll learn a lot from all of you, and what a friendly group too! I like the idea of talking to my neighbors and was actually thinking about that myself for two reasons really, 1) get supporters and 2) make some friends. Since I'm still working quite far from our "retirement home" making us part-timers since 2007, and since we all live at least an acre apart, I haven't gotten to know anyone. I was thinking about bringing a petition with me in case anyone gets as fired up about this as I am. What do you think? Too aggressive for my first time out? I'd say I'd like to kill 2 birds with one stone, but that doesn't seem too appropriate for this particular forum ;-)

good luck to you!