A visit by code enforcement

[giddyupgrl018]

well this a.m. I received a visit from our "lovely" code enforcement officer. I have 3 pullets and a leghorn roo, all around 4 mos old. Before I got these birds I spoke with a couple of my neighbors and they were all ok with the idea...My youngest daughter wants to show our chickens in the Brevard County 4-H. We do however already belong to the 4-H because my oldest shows horses!
Anyhow was wondering if it would be sly of me too pull the 4-H card? In the codes it states that: I cannot keep the roo but I can have 1 type of fowl...but states this...the keeping of farm fowl and farm animals may be permitted as a " conditional accessory" use on 2 1/2 acres min. in the RR-1 on SPECIFIC CONDITIONS THAT THE FARM ANIMAL IS USED FOR PERSONAL, NONCOMMERCIAL USE OF OCCUPANTS ONLY.???? What does that mean?....A conditional permit may be granted on LESS than 2 1/2 acres in cases where the animal is necessary to alleviate a bona fide medical hardship??? What is a medical hardship??
I live in a un-incorperated town, so the county rules over us! I do live in the burbs on a typical lot for a neighborhood.

Could anyone please read between these line and see if I can keep my chickens? Thank You in advance!!

 

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

Do you live on less than 2.5 acres? If you live on less than the 2.5 acres, it sounds to me like you can't have chickens. If you live on more, then you can just have the hens.

A medical hardship would include hearing or vision impairment and the like.

This is how I interpret it, I'm not an expert though.

 

[Davaroo]

Interesting. I cant wait to hear the opinions...

 

[Galaxiedriver]

I would raise hell and make them change the code. I am at a point now where I refuse to let the government control my life, liberty and my pursuit of happiness.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Personal, non-commercial use would be for eggs, meat, milk, etc. Medical use could include the need for eggs or meat raised without specific feed. For example, if you or a member of your family is allergic to soy, you would need eggs from hens that have not been fed soy. Since it is one of the two major ingredients in commercially prepared chicken feed, you could not safely use store-bought eggs or chicken.

By all means bring up 4H if you think it migt help.

 

[giddyupgrl018]

well just got off the phone with code enforcement..mind you this young lady is being very nice and helpful with me...but I do live in an area zoned as RU1-9 which is a single family neighborhood!!! She did tell me I can call the zoning dept. and plead my case with them...so on the phone I go!

 

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

I can understand not wanting roos in a residential neighborhood but it seems dumb to not allow any hens. Call your local city councilman or your county commissioner to ask their help in pleading your case. If you can get them on your side they will be good allies. Good luck!

 

[Davaroo]

I cannot keep the roo but I can have 1 type of fowl...but states this...the keeping of farm fowl and farm animals may be permitted as a " conditional accessory" use on 2 1/2 acres min. in the RR-1 on SPECIFIC CONDITIONS THAT THE FARM ANIMAL IS USED FOR PERSONAL, NONCOMMERCIAL USE OF OCCUPANTS ONLY.???? What does that mean?....A conditional permit may be granted on LESS than 2 1/2 acres in cases where the animal is necessary to alleviate a bona fide medical hardship??? What is a medical hardship??

Most likely, if you have to ask, you do not have a medical hardship case. Personal, non commercial use is for your own consumption.
If you are om a typical building lot, you are less than 2.5 acres.

From what I read here, you are basically hat in hand at this point.
Im guessing this is why the CEO visited you in the first place.

Im curious though - How is it that you manage to keep horses, but chickens are an issue?​

 

[giddyupgrl018]

No no no the horses are at my friends barn, we free lease them, she had been giving my daughter lessons for 7 years now! Why I brought that up was because we belong to the" county 4-H". Was hoping being a member would sway their opinion! Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
You may be able to plead your case based on 4-H involvement, but then again, you remain in apparent violation. In essence, you took on your 4-H obligations without checking first if it was okay.

It is always like that with municipal controllers. It is their job to see to it that policy is adhered to and by golly, no one is gonna stop them. With luck you can put together a good case, one they will buy into.