Bummed...in PA

[21hens-incharge]

I think that the "rule" is antiquated will work in your favor.

The builder is likely not going to be around to fight you on getting it changed.
Get the others interested in keeping birds involved and seek change.
I would start with a gentle call to your city and county office to say...."I heard there was some rule the builder put in on the property I now own. Can you direct me where I can find the details of that sort of thing?"

They might be all "Pffft there aren't any such rules.".
Or they may tell you that any rules from the original build won't be enforced so long as you follow current codes and ordinances for your area.

 

[drumstick diva]

Hoping this will have speedy and beneficial outcome.

 

[FarAwayBoy]

I have to throw out another huge "Thank You!" to everyone, especially @21hens-incharge ! My family needed support and boy did we get it! I will keep you all in the loop. My wife and I had a good chat last night. She is still all for it and not backing down, which is what I love about her. We think we might start very small with about 3 chickens with a nice, small chicken tractor or coop close to the wood shed. Our bets are that the neighbor will forget all about it in a few months. But I will indeed call up folks to insure there is no confusion or conflict in the future of our little neighborhood when it comes to chickens.

Ultimately I'm hoping this thread will help others as well, now and in the future. Don't be afraid to post and ask questions. In this big world you aren't alone in anything!

 

[21hens-incharge]

You are very welcome.

I kind of hate someone telling me what I can or cannot do in my own yard.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I have to throw out another huge "Thank You!" to everyone, especially @21hens-incharge ! My family needed support and boy did we get it! I will keep you all in the loop. My wife and I had a good chat last night. She is still all for it and not backing down, which is what I love about her. We think we might start very small with about 3 chickens with a nice, small chicken tractor or coop close to the wood shed. Our bets are that the neighbor will forget all about it in a few months. But I will indeed call up folks to insure there is no confusion or conflict in the future of our little neighborhood when it comes to chickens.

Ultimately I'm hoping this thread will help others as well, now and in the future. Don't be afraid to post and ask questions. In this big world you aren't alone in anything!

In my opinion it is a mistake to build small. You always end up wanting more chickens and having lots of space is always good. Some people combine shed and chicken coop, so multi purpose.

 

[barn206]

The irony in all this: I voluntarily went over one day to chat about us maybe getting chickens, as a courtesy! This neighbor is notorious for being snooty and definitely should have bought into a HOA. She also thought you needed a Roo for eggs and I politely told her that "No, all females produce eggs." Additionally, she was afraid it would smell and ruin her day while sitting out of the porch. I told her that would mean we're being negligent.

This is all "foreign" to me after growing up on acres of land in the country. Very seldom did one neighbor have issue with another. For some odd reason we never had chickens! Putting money on my mom thinking they'd be smelly.

I'm following this story and I'm very sad for you and your son. This is the very reason why I moved to the country. I learned the hard way and now I keep it very light with people. They are miserable and territorial. The are people in the suburbs of nyc raising chickens. I wouldn't let this woman stop me from finding out with the town hall/clerk. Do your investigating!
One day this person may need you, don't answer the door!
Good luck I hope you win!

 

[FarAwayBoy]

I'm following this story and I'm very sad for you and your son. This is the very reason why I moved to the country. I learned the hard way and now I keep it very light with people. They are miserable and territorial. The are people in the suburbs of nyc raising chickens. I wouldn't let this woman stop me from finding out with the town hall/clerk. Do your investigating!
One day this person may need you, don't answer the door!
Good luck I hope you win!

Thanks @barn206 ! Because the hard way would affect my son in a big way, it makes it all the tougher to "hope for the best" and get chickens. I want to call the township today or the county office. I have found nothing in my paperwork when we signed for the house thus far.
I've already mentioned to my wife that we are not stopping at their house for Halloween. Especially after the other day when my wife and kids stopped in passing to talk to the neighbor. They couldn't even remember my youngest child's name and acted like nothing had been said, right to their faces! I was livid.

 

[barn206]

I would go down there and tell them that you boy is asking for a few chickens. If you put a small 6x6 above ground with an small screen run you should be ok. Once you establish the chickens on your property it's done!
You are 100% right for not getting spiteful with this neighbor because of your son. Enjoy your home and ignore your neighbor. Whether it be a neighbor, coworker or family member, "we all come across controlling people that create obstacles in our lives". Live happily!!!
let us know what happens....

 

[barn206]

Btw how much property do you have if you don't mind me asking?

 

[FarAwayBoy]

Btw how much property do you have if you don't mind me asking?

Only about an acre. Oh how I wish more! However, neighbors have a bit more on either side, and their houses towards the middle, like ours.

Oh and I did call the County office. They were no help, stating that I just need to look at my title insurance paperwork for any restrictions. I'll get em out once I get home. If I can't find them (ugh hope I can!) then I can get copies.