New City Code in Fayetteville, NC

The City of Fayetteville, NC, is conducting a 'translation' of the city zoning system.  While the city codes do need updating ('Blacksmith' is still a listed commercial category) the city-wide re-zoning goes beyond simply re-assigning codes and significantly changes the rules for animal keeping and farm/agriculture throughout the city.

Previously, residential areas were allowed up to 10 hens (or rabbits) and larger livestock (goats, cattle, horses, etc) could not be kept within 100 feet of homes.  No roosters or swine were permitted, but crop and tree farming, along with other agriculture, was permitted 'by right'.

Under the proposed code, all non-pet animals except chickens are classified as livestock and must be restricted to zoned agriculture areas.  Number of hens is reduced to 4.  'By right' agriculture - orchards, farms, etc - is prohibited in most residential and commerical areas. 

While the city planners state that all current, in-code activities can continue, new operations would not be permitted.

http://www.ci.fayetteville.nc.us/

Update to previous:

Zoning board meeting 14 July (Tuesday); City Council meeting 27 July (Monday)  Please attend and speak supporting the current codes and not the new, more restrictive code.

Per Chapter 6 of the CURRENT code:

Number limited. It shall be unlawful to keep, house or pen more than ten chickens or more than ten rabbits at a dwelling or on the lot on which such dwelling is located.

Note: I read this as 'chickens, no roosters' and I swear I've seen it actually said 'no roosters' but the code defines 'fowl' as 'chickens, guinea fowl, ducks, other avian animals' so it's arguable that roosters are permitted.  However:

According to the PROPOSED CODE which goes into effect 01 July:

30-4-D-3-i pg 4-57
Housing for Poultry
The housing of poultry shall comply with the following standards:
(1) No more than four birds may be housed per lot;
(2) Roosters are prohibited;
(3) On-site slaughter of birds is prohibited;

(4) All birds shall be housed within a covered enclosure or coup;
(5) No enclosure shall be located closer than 25 feet to any residential structure or lot line;
and
(6) Birds shall be kept within a fenced enclosure at all times.

Also, FYI - new code will restrict Agriculture to specific parts of the city and is defined as follows:

Definition of Agriculture 30-9-D pg 9-11

Uses characterized by general active and on-going agricultural activities, including agronomy, animal husbandry, aquaculture,
biotechnical agriculture, forestry, fisheries, honey production, horticulture, silviculture (including the harvesting of timber), and similar
uses. Agriculture does not include a grocery store or the retail or wholesale sale of products related to the production of
agricultural products. Agriculture does not include preparatory functions such as grading or creation of planting beds through
stockpiling of dirt or other means when such preparations do not result in an active and on-going agricultural activity within 30 days.
Accessory uses may include offices, storage areas and repair facilities related to agriculture uses.

Link to new code: http://www.cityoffayetteville.org/new_udo_zoning/

Link to current code: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=10733&stateID=33&statename=North%20Carolina

Yes, supposedly grandfather rights will apply.  Won't help the newcomers, though, which is why we're trying to get the new code adjusted.