Can a new ordinance force change upon my flock?

[Red Horse]

The Ohio village where I live currently has an Ordinance banning certain small livestock (the livestock are named specifically and chickens are not one of them). At a meeting I can't go to tonight the council is considering updating that Ordinance to include paid permitting being required and potentially no roosters allowed. I have had my flock for three years and have two fabulous roosters (and don't plan to have any more. They were from my first flock and I was just too attached, and they're both amazing so they've stayed put).

Could the village force me to pay for a permit and get rid of my boys even though I've had them for years? Is grandfathering a thing here? I'm definitely not the only one in town with roosters, they're kind of scattered all over.

 

[C Siena]

The Ohio village where I live currently has an Ordinance banning certain small livestock (the livestock are named specifically and chickens are not one of them). At a meeting I can't go to tonight the council is considering updating that Ordinance to include paid permitting being required and potentially no roosters allowed. I have had my flock for three years and have two fabulous roosters (and don't plan to have any more. They were from my first flock and I was just too attached, and they're both amazing so they've stayed put).

Could the village force me to pay for a permit and get rid of my boys even though I've had them for years? Is grandfathering a thing here? I'm definitely not the only one in town with roosters, they're kind of scattered all over.

I have no idea legally but call the village council and speak with one or better, more of those involved to find out what happened at the meeting. (Sad you could not attend) Depending on the outcome of the meeting ask them your questions about being grandfathered with your flock/roosters and that you will not have any more roosters after yours pass. Let them know they are pets...unless you "sell" eggs, then I think they are livestock. Depending on the amount of property you own, it could make a difference. Also the size of your flock could make a difference. Call tomorrow so not close to the weekend. Of course all this could be moot points if nothing passed.

 

[pennyJo1960]

The Ohio village where I live currently has an Ordinance banning certain small livestock (the livestock are named specifically and chickens are not one of them).

Go to the meeting voice your concerns do not let them take your boys! be pro active about it.

 

[Red Horse]

I have no idea legally but call the village council and speak with one or better, more of those involved to find out what happened at the meeting. (Sad you could not attend) Depending on the outcome of the meeting ask them your questions about being grandfathered with your flock/roosters and that you will not have any more roosters after yours pass. Let them know they are pets...unless you "sell" eggs, then I think they are livestock. Depending on the amount of property you own, it could make a difference. Also the size of your flock could make a difference. Call tomorrow so not close to the weekend. Of course all this could be moot points if nothing passed.

My husband is actually on the council and this was sprung on them by the mayor as a last minute agenda item. He has to remain neutral though. We have 2 separate enclosures, one with 8 chickens and the other with 9 on about an acre. They do not free range as we have eagles around and a hawk's nest in the yard. I don't sell eggs, we just eat them and use them in my small-scale home bakery.

 

[Red Horse]

Go to the meeting voice your concerns do not let them take your boys! be pro active about it.

I would have liked to have gone but I'm [supposed to be] working right now.

 

[The Moonshiner]

My husband is actually on the council and this was sprung on them by the mayor as a last minute agenda item. He has to remain neutral though. We have 2 separate enclosures, one with 8 chickens and the other with 9 on about an acre. They do not free range as we have eagles around and a hawk's nest in the yard. I don't sell eggs, we just eat them and use them in my small-scale home bakery.

Why does he have to remain neutral?

 

[pennyJo1960]

It is easy to say you want to not if your not able to voice your concerns.

 

[C Siena]

My husband is actually on the council and this was sprung on them by the mayor as a last minute agenda item. He has to remain neutral though. We have 2 separate enclosures, one with 8 chickens and the other with 9 on about an acre. They do not free range as we have eagles around and a hawk's nest in the yard. I don't sell eggs, we just eat them and use them in my small-scale home bakery.

So you will know the outcome tonight. As your husband is on the council (elected?), he should be able to vote according to his personal views. 17 chickens are not a lot, 1 acre is ample size (unless a neighbor has complained). I would still call other council members tomorrow being polite, but letting them know the concern for the family (loss of pets, having to purchase eggs or pay for the permit (is it a yearly permit?). If passed, I would still try to have your 2 roos, grandfathered if possible. We are really in southern Ohio. I hope it all goes well. Post tomorrow to let us know.

 

[Iluveggers]

You could hand-write a letter and have your husband read it on your behalf. Reading a letter from a voting citizen should not be considered "bias", just presenting an opinion of someone who lives there...if it was from another neighbor and he read it out loud, no one would bat an eye. Or if he is on good terms with another council member, he could ask them to read it instead. Also, he should absolutely bring up the possibility of grandfathering someone in, as it is common practice when changing any ordinances.