Allowed under 120 square feet before permit is needed

[hippiechickadee]

The permanent coop we are planning to build is 44 square feet. I'm allowed up to 120 square feet before I need to go through the process of applying, submitting plans, paying money, and getting permits. Good there!

Do I have to count the run (which is 12X24= 288 square feet alone) or is that not counted in structure? Just curious if anyone else came across this and knew.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I doubt it. Only your code enforcement person can answer that question.

 

[countrygirl86]

I think it would depend on how the ordinance is worded. If you are allowed 120 sq ft for a "permanent" structure before you need a permit, just make sure the run is not permanent. For example use screws instead of nails, etc so that you can argue it is a movable structure.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Good point.
My ordinance is for 100 sq. ft. permanent structure. I build all the coops under that and ignore pen size. Most of them are on legs and can be moved with a forklift so I can also argue that they aren't permanent.
I went to battle with city hall a couple years ago, mobilized the whole community and even had radio, TV and newspaper reporters at all the council meetings. The city loves me now and overlook some of my code violations.
Well, I don't know if love is the right word.

 

[donrae]

I'd say, if you don't need a permit for a chain link dog kennel, you don't need a permit for a run. I'd just count the coop space, not the run. The run's not a structure, it's basically cross-fencing your yard.

 

[scooter147]

chickencanoe has the right idea.

My ordinance is more than 120 feet. So I built two 120 square feet coops side by side.. One for roosting and one for laying eggs. Works like a charm. In the spring when I raise a few birds I simple take the movable roosts and place them in the shed with the nest boxes.

The very nosy city inspector (not easy as my lot is over a 1/2 acre and the positioning meant he had to do some neck straining to see or he simple trespassed) came a knocking one day and asked to see my new sheds. So I showed him. He immediately said the ordinance was all encompassing, meaning total sheds have to be 120 or less. I said no it doesn't. I read the ordinance on line multiple times and had several people read it and that is not what it says. I most definitely got the raised eyebrow look and a I'll have to check on that comment. Never heard any more.

I could tell he thought I intentionally was skirting the ordinance (which I was) but I told him I needed it set up this way or my chickens would lay all over the place as they will not lay where they sleep. He bought it.....I think...he just said "oh".

He didn't leave completely unsatisfied. Ordinance requires that the sheds be tied down on all four corners. Well on one shed one of the anchor bolts that went from the shed to the mobile home tie down was not long enough and I never completed it. So he gave me a "fix it" notice for the one anchor. That was three years ago. I don't know if he came back or not.