A Big Change For DeKalb County Ga Ordinance

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Contemporary updates to the legal zoning definitions now allow most homeowners in residential areas more opportunities in horticulture, to allow for beekeeping and backyard chickens.

The new zoning code allows hens in residential districts RE, RLG, R-100, R-85, R-75, and RNC and Light Industrial (M) under certain conditions. The maximum number of hens shall be one hen per 2,000 square feet of lot size, provided the lot size is a minimum of 10,000 square feet, and one additional hen is allowed for each 25 square feet of fenced area per hen. No roosters are allowed under this provision.

August 28, 2015

http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/portals/news-room/a_release.asp?filePK=2696
 
I. Keeping of chickens, pigeons.
  1. The minimum fenced yard area for chickens shall be twenty-five (25) square feet per hen.
  2. Chickens and pigeons must be housed at least twenty (20) feet from any property line, and fifty (50) feet from any residence other than the owner’s.
  3. Any structure housing chickens and pigeons must be located in the rear yard if a principal building exists.

Zoning Ordinance of DeKalb County 4-15
page16image400

Article 4. September 1, 2015 Use Regulations
  1. The minimum lot size for the keeping of chickens or pigeons is ten thousand (10,000) square feet. Fenced area for chickens shall comply with the setback requirements for accessory structures. Chickens and pigeons and associated structures and fencing shall comply with relevant articles of Chapters 16 and 18, relating to noise and property maintenance.
  2. No roosters are allowed.
  3. The maximum number of hens shall be one (1) hen per two thousand (2,000) square feet of lot size.
  4. Each coop shall have at least four (4) square feet of floor space per chicken over four (4) months old. For Bantams, a variety defined as miniature, each coop shall have one (1) square foot of floor area per chicken over four (4) months old.
  5. Chickens must be kept securely in an enclosed yard or pen at all times.
  6. Chickens are only permitted as pets or for egg production; the chickens cannot be kept for slaughter.
  7. Composted animal waste can be used as fertilizer for the purpose of enriching the soil of the owner’s property.
  8. Animals must be kept under sanitary conditions and shall not be a public nuisance.
 
so since i live on one acre I'm allowed 21 hens wow. i had 10 hens one mysteriously disappeared have no clue what happen to her. Just one day doing my head count she was missing I really think she got out and something or someone ate her. I have learned a lot this short time i have been keeping hens and a leghorn is a great egg layer but hard to contain, quick to leave the yard is the grass looks greener on the other side literally LOL. I have three leghorns left in my flock and till this day they are hard to keep in perfect escape artist.
 
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Hey there fellow Dekalb residences! Does anyone know if there's an active effort to further improve our current laws on chickens? I know the city of Decatur allows roosters, but Unincorporated Dekalb still doesn't. I also wondered if there's any effort to better the chickens per square foot rule; we live on a third of an acre and have seven, but I would really like to start occasionally hatching chicks to sell or give away to friends!
 

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