Change laws or just do it?

[Usingmyrights]

Well I got what I consider t be semi good news today. I tried to send my county commissioner an email, but it said that it got re-directed. That was back when I first posted about this. Today I get an email with a name and number thats says to call to discuss the situation. The fact that its not a flat out "no" makes me hopeful. Any suggestions on what to bring to the table when I go to talk to the guy? I think I'm going to point out the high property taxes for being lake front when the lake is almost non-existent, the fact that is AG across the street, my next door neighbor doesn't care, etc.

 

[The Fairy Godmartyr]

I would point out that they are not smelly if cared for properly, are much quieter than dogs if you don't have a rooster (and some roosters are quieter than some dogs, too), and that there are many cities (even NYC, from what I understand) that allow small residential flocks.

If they seem hesitant, I would suggest some "good neighbor" solutions that could be worked into an ordinance--no roosters, pens not within 50 feet of any property lines, etc.

Good luck!

 

[chkinut]

i say

to silly rules....call me a rebel.....but i'm illegal and i was gonna fight the laws but i heard a story of a lady who lives about 5 minutes away from me who only wanted 3 chickens....she did everything to fight and she lost....so i said

i'm gettin some chickens! i did ask my neighbors who live directly beside me and they were fine with it. i've had my girls for almost a year now and all is well! i DO have a 6ft privacy fence though.

 

[train2110]

I would get the local zoning code and read it. In my town chickens and personal use horses are exempt from the standard "livestock" definition. Chickens are allowed and horses are allowed on R zoned properties not just AR zoned ones.

Go to City Hall and physically look at the laws.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Being on lake-front property is probably why you are zoned residential and not ag. Now-a-days there is a great push to protect the land around a lake to prevent non-point pollution from entering the lake. Non-point pollution typically being the excess nutirents, pesticides, sediment, etc. that run-off the surface of the land vs. point-source pollution which is pollutiong coming out the end of a pipe from an building.

In your situation, I would make sure to look at the location of the coop and run to keep rain or runoff from the house/garage roofs washing out into the lake during a rainstorm or whatever. Ask if there is an offset distance from the high-water level of the lake that they require you to meet. Being environmentally aware of your property, and communicating this to the person will be an advantage in a meeting.

Example: An unmowed/natural strip of grass along the waters edge will help to stop excess nutrients, pesticides and sediment from entering the lake.
Locating the coop and run so the water coming out of your house downspouts does not flow through the chicken run on its way to the lake.

I don't know what your layout is, so I am just making general suggestions so you are not blind-sided by questions from the person you are meeting with. I believe you cannot have too much information beforehand.

 

[Usingmyrights]

I would just do it, but I've got one problem neighbor 2 doors down that would call and my county is extremely strict on codes and such. I've got a long narrow lot. Approximately 159'x1400+' IIRC. The house sits at the back of the property by the lake. I plan on putting the coop/run about a 2/5s of the way up the property or so. I'd have a garden and grove between the run and the house. So whatever runoff the grove and garden doesnt stop, or the landscaping in front of the house still has to get around the house to make it down to the lake. I'm on a major road and even though my property slants downward, a coop is likely to be seen, so my only real option is for it to be ok with the county.

 

[PeepCrazee]

I live in Lehigh Acres, FL. This area is not in the city limits, but is zoned as "single family residential". I have 2 neighbors on my whole street. The rest is undeveloped lots. I got some chickens. I would like to hear from someone else in Lehigh. According to "zoning" we are not allowed to have chickens as they are classified as "livestock"....HOWEVER...the Lee County Animal Control Ord. 09-20 states a domestic animal is "ANY animal kept for enjoyment and/or companionship rather than utility; an animal of a species that has been bred and raised to live in or about the habitation of humans and is dependent upon people for food, shelter and survival."

So...tell me...what does that sound like to you??? My girls are my pets and they have been raised to live near humans and we enjoy them! How confusing is that???
Is there anyone else out there in Lehigh who love their chickens too???