Can't keep our coop, and could use some tractor ideas. :(

[Parrotchick]

How does the town define "permanent"? I always thought it meant a structure that was on a foundation. Without trying to stir anything up, perhaps you could ask to see the rules for better understanding. It sounds kind of fuzzy to me, mixing apples and oranges, ie chicken legality vs structure legality. As somebody else said, is the structure only illegal because the chickens use it? If the chickens hang out on your deck or you bring a sick or cold one into your garage, does that make your house illegal? But I guess if they're giving you a variance, they can ask for whatever they want. Good luck and if they do grant you the variance, make sure everything is spelled out clearly so nobody can get you later! I like the idea of putting the playhouse on wheels to make it less "permanent." And just because the structure can move, does it mean you actually do have to move it? Will they tell you how frequently it has to be moved or where it has to be moved?

 

[mdbokc]

Yep, check the "code" as many codes refer to any building on skids (4x4, 6x6) are not considered permanent buildings as they are not attached to a foundation/floor slab. There are firms that could lift it and place the skids with no building damage if that would meet code. If the "town is encouraging" you, then find out exactly what your options are and go for it, whatever it might be.

If you can use the building and place skids, if a firm is available, try to barter with them and get it for free or very low price. Pictures/video that they could use to illustrate their work kthat they could use for advertising, etc.

Good luck.

 

[lauriruth]

Just curious - where are you located?
i'm totally paranoid, as i'm building a playhouse coop and a neighbor has already peered into my yard and inquired if i had a permit. loser. if you're in san antonio, we could gang up on 'em! i'm legal with my birds, but what's the diff between my flimsy little screened in house and a substantial shed you find in almost every back yard?

 

[Lucy4]

Thanks everyone. You are all so good.

As for the questions... I'm using the word "permanent" loosely, not in the "has a foundation" sense like you see in most town codes. Because (as one poster mentioned) we're already illegal, there's not much use in me doing research on the codes... I'm already in the wrong! I need to go in and kiss butt. Basically, the town hall folks are suggesting ways to make the chicken situation more palatable to the zoning board (who will decide on the variance). Even a tool shed or play house where we have it would be considered illegal. Moving it, as we originally planned to do, doesn't seem enough for them. Actually, what the animal control lady told me was to find a "dog house", something small and unassuming that won't ruffle any feathers on the board. Yes, it all sounds nebulous and undefined. That's because it is. sigh.

Putting the whole coop on skids is certainly a good idea, but in the board's eyes, it will still look like a big ole shed. I'm not putting four hens in a dog house either, but another guy in zoning said a chicken tractor would definitely make the board more comfortable.

Will definitely check out the portable options suggested here. Thanks all for your kindness; it is very appreciated.

I am in Putnam County, NY, for the poster who asked. And to the other person who asked if the neighbors had any annoying pets... well, their many cats are when they scream at our door for food! But more annoying is the music they blare from their very un-zoned party room right on our property line. They aim the speakers at our house whenever they're annoyed at us, or have their teenager scream out the windows when we have company. We played nice for a long time... sending over veggies from the garden or eggs, etc, thinking we could win them over. We're not combative. But they don't care; they torture everyone around here. Now we've had enough, and called Town Hall about their party room. They're in big, big trouble, especially since it has illegal septic.

It's not rewarding to me though... only because I know they'll be looking for other ways to punish us. I wish we could move.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
You may want to check the laws in your area but I do know that in some cases that if the neighbors have been trouble for the nieghborhood that they can be bought out and or forced to move I'm unsure of what all would need to be done But I would look into it and talk the people they have been trouble to you may be surprised...

As for a tractor some 2x4's and chicken wire with a tarm over one end till you get something better looking will work for the time being or fight back keep them in the garage build a small pen in there and put down pine shavings and just tell everyone you got rid of them (of course after all this is over) Good luck to you I hate it when people want to be buttheads about haveing chickens it is something they don't know nor understand so instead of taking the time to enjoy and learn they would rather fight.

 

[Intheswamp]

Using recycled wooden pallets, just a few long 2x4's and some hardware cloth (off the playhouse coop?) would probably be your lowest cost way to go....the alleyways and by-ways are your friend!

Scraps from remodeling jobs piled up beside the road can be good stuff, too.

Pallets be taken apart yield good framing and siding material.

Old linoleum flooring could be used as "siding" over the pallet board sides to stop it from being too drafty. The flooring can also be used as roofing in a pinch. Basically any flat, thin, water/wind proof material could be used for roofing and siding...even small pieces can be used if you layer them on from bottom to top like regular shingles. Or, you could do the walls of the coop/hutch in a "board-n-batten" design and paint or stain....you could still use the flooring on the inside walls for "draft-proofing".

The less "material-intensive" designs look to be a-frames, but the regular rectangular types seem to be more roomy. Check out the coop section here on byc and you'll see lots of designs to give you ideas.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Intheswamp]

Here's a link to...

An "instructable" on how to disassemble a pallet.

$5 Tractor Very basic squared-off coop. With some attention to detail and some paint could be made to look pretty good.

Check out the a-frame tractor in the upper righthand corner...simple but effective....and looks good. I think you'll need a larger coop/hutch for four chickens, especially large fowl ones.

 

[sksmass]

I plan on making a "hoop coop" out of stock panels you can get from Tractor Supply company and a few 2x4s. The whole thing won't be that expensive and is movable, like a tractor. might want to look into that. Google "Plamandon hoop coop"

 

[featherbaby]

Don't let up on enforcing the "Noise/nuisance" ordinance against them. Also, pursue the illegal room/septic system. If you put enough pressure on those obvious things, they might be forced to move and your problem is solved. I can't believe they stirred up trouble for you when they were soooo in the wrong on their things. My daddy taught me not to poke a sleeping bear with a short stick unless I could out-run him. HA!

 

[Jenski]

This may sound like a redundant question, but are you absolutely certain your chickens are illegal? Has someone actually shown you a written copy of the city/county code that specifically states that your birds are illegal where you are?

It may sound silly, but there are literally thousands of folks on this forum who have been told by "authorities" their birds are illegal, but when pressed no one could actually prove it!

And around here, play houses are perfectly legal without permit unless you plan to install a permanent foundation and/or wire electric switches/outlets. This is also worth checking. Please do not rely on the opinion of authorities, even your county and city officers! Ask politely to see it in writing. It is your absolute right as a citizen to be informed.

Best of luck!