Pennsylvania. Right to farm act. Help!!!

I was wondering about the right to farm act in PA.
I was told today I'm not able to have my chickens, (by the township Supervisor) Even though we had called and where initially told their was no ordinance about it. (by the Zoning Officer)

Would I need to have a lawyer?
or am I able to get help through the Department of agriculture.
I'm not sure how to go about this.

I was told I can own a horse only on my property. And am really tempted to get one. They think chickens are a problem ...lol

My neighbors are a pain. they tried to have me pay for a bush that died, when we had the roof redone. It just so happened it was planted on our property. they where not reimbursed the $350.00 they wanted.

I'm just not seeing the right people have to tell another how to feed their family. Should I ask if it's OK to plant a veggie garden.

I'm in Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County, Blythe Township, Village of Cumbola.

I would talk to the Zoning officer again and get a copy of any ordinances pertaining to livestock and go over them with a fine tooth comb. I would think its only the officers word that counts because he would be the one to enforce those laws. With neighbors like that you definitely dont want to do something illegal........and get a nice high fence.

Yes I did ask for a copy of the ordinance. He said he would find it and bring it by this weekend.

Thank you

I wish I had some good advice. You are just north of me. We rent a property that is zoned rural/ag so we have no limits on livestock. I double checked with the township last week. I actually live in Bern. I gave the gal my address and she said, "nope, no restrictions."

I should think the zoning officer would be the person who would know what roads/properties are allowed what. You should definitely find out exactly what your property is zoned and what the allows.

If they are telling you you can't do something, it has to be in writing somewhere. Good luck.

I just sent you a butt load of links for your states RTFA. They actually aren't that bad. I've seen worse

Bluemoon

I would think the Zoning officer would have known.
Unfortunately the Township Supervisor said he misinformed us.
He said he will have a talk with him (zoning officer) about it.

This is crazy .. it's 6 chickens and a rooster.

I lived in city of a million people. We where allowed Chickens!

I just want to feed my family Nutritious, Wholesome food!
Without going broke in todays economy!

Well I'm not sure what happened.
Our township supervisor called today,and informed us we are allowed 4 chickens.
They must be kept unclosed. (not allowed to run free in the yard)
I can not allow any of the eggs to hatch.
And we are not to raise them for consumption (to eat the bird)

I'm not all sure what I said when Al (township supervisor) was here. But I think he realized I was not one to let this rest.

I think they are amending the ordinance for me in particular.
After stating I was from a city that allowed Chickens, and that I can't believe I'm being told I can't raise food for my family (especially in today's economy). I also asked him about the right to farm act.

My husband (bless his heart) Started asking if we could have a pet Moose, after he stated we could have a horse. As it is a means of transportation. I started on about miniature horses, and I think i mentioned owning a sheep soon. My Daughter want's a pet Pig.

OK I guess the two of us are a bit Crazy.

Whatever happened I'm happy. But I'll still want to find out all I can on the bylaws and ordinances on Raising animals of any kind in the area.

I thank BYC for a lot of the education I have received on this. I look forward to all this site has to offer a person.

P.S. I started the chicken coop yesterday. I'll post pic's on my BYC page soon!

A friend to all.

Congrats That to me seems reasonable, enjoy the chickens! Your town supervisor probably found something that worked in your favor, and just let it lay at that.

A pet moose sounds like a great idea too


Bluemoon

You still need to know exactly what the current ordinances state, and you need to read not only what the specific sections relating to chickens in your zoning district, but also what is said about in general--in some cases the code will state that if not specifically allowed, it is disallowed. In other cases that wording is not there; definitely makes a difference.

Amending the ordinance for you in particular can be a good thing (if they are making it more lenient), but if they are making it more restrictive then that is probably illegal.