- Aug 23, 2014
- 13
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I am looking for some support and guidance to change the East Hopewell Township Ordinance in York County, PA. I own 2.89 acres and had chickens. After receiving a notice in the mail, I learned that there is an ordinance stating that you must have 5 acres to have chickens. I had to physically go to my township and pay $10 to get a copy of the ordinance because it’s not on a website for easy access (this is another item I will be addressing to the township). I had my chickens moved to a temporary home. I could not bear to lose them. I love my chickens and the eggs they provide my family.
About 80% of the township is agricultural. I am very baffled as to why you cannot have chickens on less than 5 acres. I know there are people in the city that are allowed to have chickens. I also learned you cannot have rabbits, ferrets or chinchillas according to the ordinance unless you have 5 acres or more. I am working on gathering information on other ordinances in the area and trying to come up with a reasonable proposal for a change.
I attended one of the township meetings to address the ordinance and to find out if there is a way to change it. There are three board members and one of them is very opposed to changing it unless I can get ½ of the people in the township to sign a petition (that’s just for his vote). The first thing I need to do is come up with a reasonable proposal to present to the board. The more support I have and input on a proposal, the more likely I will be able to make a change. After a reasonable proposal is made, I can start a petition if the board members oppose the proposal. I have spoken to several of my neighbors and they are on board, but I could use more help.
The current ordinance states the following:
East Hopewell Township Zoning Ordinance
DEFINITIONS:
LIVESTOCK – Any farm animal, such as cattle, donkeys, horses, mules, burrows, sheep, swine or goats, kept for agricultural use, commercial purposes or pleasure.
SMALL ANIMALS- Animals generally not considered as livestock, and also, excluding those animals normally referred to as domesticated household pets such as dogs and cats. Small animals include, but are not limited to, chinchillas, ferrets and rabbits.
ACTICLE V
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
SECTION 508 Keeping of Livestock, Small Animals and/or Poultry
Thank you!
Laura
About 80% of the township is agricultural. I am very baffled as to why you cannot have chickens on less than 5 acres. I know there are people in the city that are allowed to have chickens. I also learned you cannot have rabbits, ferrets or chinchillas according to the ordinance unless you have 5 acres or more. I am working on gathering information on other ordinances in the area and trying to come up with a reasonable proposal for a change.
I attended one of the township meetings to address the ordinance and to find out if there is a way to change it. There are three board members and one of them is very opposed to changing it unless I can get ½ of the people in the township to sign a petition (that’s just for his vote). The first thing I need to do is come up with a reasonable proposal to present to the board. The more support I have and input on a proposal, the more likely I will be able to make a change. After a reasonable proposal is made, I can start a petition if the board members oppose the proposal. I have spoken to several of my neighbors and they are on board, but I could use more help.
The current ordinance states the following:
East Hopewell Township Zoning Ordinance
DEFINITIONS:
LIVESTOCK – Any farm animal, such as cattle, donkeys, horses, mules, burrows, sheep, swine or goats, kept for agricultural use, commercial purposes or pleasure.
SMALL ANIMALS- Animals generally not considered as livestock, and also, excluding those animals normally referred to as domesticated household pets such as dogs and cats. Small animals include, but are not limited to, chinchillas, ferrets and rabbits.
ACTICLE V
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
SECTION 508 Keeping of Livestock, Small Animals and/or Poultry
- Such use shall be accessory and clearly incidental to the principal use of the property for residential purposes. Livestock, small animals or poultry shall be kept only as pets, for pleasure, or to provide food for the residents of the premises where the livestock, small animals or poultry are kept.
- Lot Area: Five (5) acres minimum.
- All livestock, small animals and poultry shall, except while pasturing, grazing, feeding or exercising, be housed in a separate, freestanding, permanent, four (4)-sided building erected and maintained for that purpose.
- The building required by Subsection c) above shall only be located in the rear yard; shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet from any property or street line; and shall be no closer than one hundred (100) feet to any existing residence on adjacent land.
- All pasture, grazing and exercise areas shall be securely fenced.
- All livestock, small animals and poultry wastes shall be properly stored and disposed of in a manner that will not create a public health hazard or nuisance. No livestock, small animal or poultry wastes shall be stored within the required setback areas.
Thank you!
Laura
