Arizona Chickens

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:
I just slogged through most of it. Do I understand correctly that we will need to get permission from the city in order to build coops and have animals?

 

[carnivore]

ever thought of canonizing them?  I have ordered some tools cant wait to get my hands dirty....

ROFLMAO! I don't think the pope would approve it!

 

[carnivore]

I just waded through part of the draft, and it does say a max of 8 chickens, and MALE FOWL are prohibited! (PG 32). There are some provisions for getting permission for larger numbers, but don't hold your breath. That lot in Avra Valley is starting to look better!

 

[pipemum]

I just slogged through most of it. Do I understand correctly that we will need to get permission from the city in order to build coops and have animals?

Not as long as your coop is 6' or under, and a certain (low) sq footage. That's for chickens. Not sure how it works for other small farm animals.

I'm not sure about existing coops that don't meet the old or new standards. I think I heard Adam say something like, "it's not a problem till someone complains..." so, hopefully all of our neighbors are cool beans. Grump, grump. I mean, I understand I chose to live in the city, therefore I should expect not to have 6 horses, a cow, a few goats and a llama on my small lot, but for crispies sake...did you know you're supposed to get a permit to replace your water heater? Talk about over-regulation.

 

[pipemum]

And yes, roosters will still be prohibited. That doesn't strike me as too onerous, considering many of the lots in the city are less than 1/4 acre. Also, geese are not considered "fowl" and aren't included in the update--that seems weird since uh, geese are most certainly defined generally as fowl. I'm gonna guess Ms. "why can't I remember her name but she hates gardens in the front because they attract wildlife" had a bad experience with (diseased *eyeroll*) fowl, probably a goose goosed her once and she's as traumatized by that as I am by thread snakes, and yes, giant speculation, she made sure geese were eliminated from the revision, hahahaha. Cuz, you know...if there's ever an ordinance revision concerning backyard thread snakes, I'm gonna be all sorts of opposed to that one.

 

[a little chiken]

Would someone who attended give a summary of what was discussed for those of us who couldn't go? I am not in the city, but like to know what the blasted bureaucrats are up to.

DessertMarcy join Tucson Clicks on FB or I Willpost what was said later. I can't copy and paste from my phone.

 

[desertmarcy]

DessertMarcy join Tucson Clicks on FB or I Willpost what was said later. I can't copy and paste from my phone.

I am on Tucson Clucks, just don't have time for FB but okay, will check it out. Thanks.

 

[a little chiken]

I understand DesetMarcy. I hope people on Tucson Clucks join us and vice versa so people stay informed. There is so much info floating around. I am not sure I understand why such a cutback in the amounts (units) of animals. Why geese are not fowl.also why are so many people on Tucson Clucks making it sound like nothing needs to be done yet because it was just an information session and decisions will be made later. Am I misunderstanding them?

I am writing emails but i was also told to submit suggestions to proposed changes. My biggest issues are why a height limit on coops, why only 8 chickens and why no geese. Also how are they going to monitor this?

 

[pipemum]

I can answer how they'll monitor the code. It'll be like every other code enforcement--usually starts in the form of complaints. Neighbor complains about some sort of violation, city sends someone out to inspect. Once the inspector is out there, they'll probably notice not only just the original complaint, but oh, also the shed is too close to the property line, and the addition wasn't permitted, and this and that and, and, and... During slow times, inspectors will actually drive around looking for violations. Basically, everything is hunky-dory till you get a disgruntled neighbor.

Desertmarcy, the meeting was an info session on the urban agriculture update. Supposedly making it easier for city dwellers to have small farm animals, community gardens, and farmer's markets. Here's the link again to the code update. http://pdsd.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/news/sustainable-code-project . It seems most of the leg work on the revision has been done, but the City is accepting comments.

Highlights were that community gardens and urban farms can be pricipal uses on a property. Greenhouses, chicken coops allowed as accessory structures as long as they comply with rules and more rules. Gardens are allowed in front yards. Maximum number of small farm animals on the 20,000 sq ft lot is 3. 1 additional animal is okay for each 5000 sq ft over the 20000 sq ft lot. So, a 30000 sq foot lot would be allowed 5 animals. 6 for a 36,000 sq ft lot, which is considered a commercial acre. Slightly different rules for community gardens and urban farms. 8 fowl are allowed, in addition small farm animals. Eggs are okay to sell. Processed animal, no.

small farm animals include: miniature goats, rabbits, rodents, fowl, and other similar animals. Dogs, cats,
and fish are not considered small farm animals.

Written comments on the Urban Agriculture update can be sent here:
Adam Smith
c/o Planning & Development Services Department
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210

 

[a little chiken]

I can answer how they'll monitor the code.  It'll be like every other code enforcement--usually starts in the form of complaints.  Neighbor complains about some sort of violation, city sends someone out to inspect.  Once the inspector is out there, they'll probably notice not only just the original complaint, but oh, also the shed is too close to the property line, and the addition wasn't permitted, and this and that and, and, and...  During slow times, inspectors will actually drive around looking for violations.  Basically, everything is hunky-dory till you get a disgruntled neighbor. 

Desertmarcy, the meeting was an info session on the urban agriculture update.  Supposedly making it easier for city dwellers to have small farm animals, community gardens, and farmer's markets. Here's the link again to the code update. http://pdsd.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/news/sustainable-code-project   .  It seems most of the leg work on the revision has been done, but the City is accepting comments. 

Written comments on the Urban Agriculture update can be sent here: 
Adam Smith
c/o Planning & Development Services Department
P.O. Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210

Ok I can see that but chickens are classified as livestock and there is only 1 livestock inspector in southern AZ. Are they going to add a provision that urban livestock fall under city inspectors? I feel if the city inspector can write people up for violations is he also going to protect the urban livestock from neighbors dogs etc? Animal control does not protect livestock.