- May 7, 2013
- 3
- 0
- 7
I started trying to get permission to have a few chickens in my yard and ran into this problem:
Hello Mike,
What our Development Regulations Ordinance says in Article 1 is that “All uses not specifically permitted are prohibited.” That is in Section 1.4. Article 4 articulates what uses are permitted in residential zones (Section 4.3-1). Obviously, single family dwellings are permitted. The ordinance also states that Accessory uses are permitted, specifically, “Uses which are customarily incidental and accessory to the principal permitted use.” I interpret this phrase to permit typical pets such as dogs, cats, birds, etc.. I do not accept that keeping chickens is a typical accessory use to a single family dwelling in this City.
Over my 23+ years as zoning officer in the City of Summit this question has been raised a few times and I have always given the answer that you see above. If you wish, you can apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for an interpretation or you can appeal my decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Application directions and forms are available on line or in this office. The application fee would be $200.00 and the escrow deposit to cover the cost of the Board Attorney, the cost of the transcript and the cost of the attorney writing the resolution with the Board’s decision is all billed against the escrow deposit.
Christa Anderson
Zoning Officer
City of Summit
Any thoughts? Think I have a chance. I don't have the $$$ for escrow or anything like that. Or should I just get some and then see what happens.
Hello Mike,
What our Development Regulations Ordinance says in Article 1 is that “All uses not specifically permitted are prohibited.” That is in Section 1.4. Article 4 articulates what uses are permitted in residential zones (Section 4.3-1). Obviously, single family dwellings are permitted. The ordinance also states that Accessory uses are permitted, specifically, “Uses which are customarily incidental and accessory to the principal permitted use.” I interpret this phrase to permit typical pets such as dogs, cats, birds, etc.. I do not accept that keeping chickens is a typical accessory use to a single family dwelling in this City.
Over my 23+ years as zoning officer in the City of Summit this question has been raised a few times and I have always given the answer that you see above. If you wish, you can apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for an interpretation or you can appeal my decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Application directions and forms are available on line or in this office. The application fee would be $200.00 and the escrow deposit to cover the cost of the Board Attorney, the cost of the transcript and the cost of the attorney writing the resolution with the Board’s decision is all billed against the escrow deposit.
Christa Anderson
Zoning Officer
City of Summit
Any thoughts? Think I have a chance. I don't have the $$$ for escrow or anything like that. Or should I just get some and then see what happens.
