McDonough, GA - Henry County

[GAchick30017]

I found an ordinance from Henry County in 2013 that says only 4 chickens if you're on less than three acres and roosters are prohibited.

Does anyone know if that is still the case today? We've been reaching out to counties to ask about their current chicken laws, and they are directing us to contact the cities individually and when you do that, they don't know either. It seems like no one knows until a neighbor potentially calls the city and complains about it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Google Search "[City, State] + Ordinace", chances are, you will find it online in one of several libraries. MuniCode is one of the most poular.

And here it is. Then of course, you have to keyword search the code, but you get pretty good at it after a while. Sometimes, you have to do the same google search, but using +Zoning instead of +Ordinance.

• 6.10.100 - Prohibited animals.
  
  A.
  It shall be unlawful for any person to bring, keep, maintain or have within the corporate limits of the City any livestock, cattle, or poultry, including all domesticated animals normally kept or raised on a farm, such as cows, bulls, steers, sheep, goats, llamas, horses, mules, donkeys, swine, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, peacocks, and pheasants. Provided however, this section shall not prohibit:
  1.
  The temporary keeping of such animals in a traveling circus or agricultural fair for definite periods of short duration;
  2.
  The temporary housing of such animals for veterinary care in a location zoned for veterinary use provided that the animals do not create such noise, odor, sanitary condition as would otherwise constitute a violation this chapter or otherwise unreasonably interfere with the quiet enjoyment of other properties in the neighborhood; or
  3.
  The keeping of such animals where it is otherwise in compliance with the City's zoning ordinance.
  4.
  Provided, however, that these provisions shall not apply to any such animal currently licensed as of the effective date of this chapter.
  B.
  It shall be unlawful to purchase, sell, own, possess, harbor or breed skunks, foxes, prairie dogs, raccoons, coyotes, wolves, hybrid wolves, any hybrid animal that is part wild animal, exotic cats or any other native or non-native wild animal unless licensed by the respective federal or state department of agriculture to possess such animal.
  ( Ord. No. 12-08-20(B) , § 1, 8-20-2012)
  
  **************************
  
  CHAPTER 17.24 - RA-200 RESIDENTIAL-AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
  
  
  17.24.010 - Purpose and permitted uses.
  
  
  A.
  The RA-200 residential-agricultural district is intended to provide suitable rural oriented open areas for farm and residential dwellings at very low densities. It is the intent of this Title 17 to discourage the premature subdivision of land for typical urban type lots requiring public services such as schools, sewers, water, fire protection, etc.
  B.
  Within any RA-200 residential-agricultural district, the following uses shall be permitted:
  1.
  Single-family detached dwellings.
  2.
  Customary residential accessory buildings or uses, provided such shall be permitted only in a rear yard and shall be situated not less than three (3) feet from any property line; and further provided that in the case of corner lots, such buildings or structures shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet from any side street right-of-way line.
  3.
  Agricultural, horticulture, dairying, general and specialized farming, including livestock and poultry raising, provided that a building used for animals shall not be closer than two hundred (200) feet to any property line and that livestock shall be kept at numbers not exceeding more than two (2) animals per five (5) acres. The definition of livestock shall not include horses for purposes of this
  Title.
  
  
  
  
  
  So, I'd say, based on a quick search, its pretty much "no chickens". Would be different if they defined an "animal unit", and limited the number of animals based on AUs, but that's not what they chose to do.
  
  
  Now, OUTSIDE the City limites, in Henry County, this appears to be the Ordinance to which you refer.
  
  Appears to still be in effect.
  
  Easy, see?

 

[Nmur81]

As far as I know, it's still 4, no roosters. Unless you have more than 3 acres. I am also in HC.