Changing Laws in Small Towns

[MadelynJean]

Hello all,

I have recently moved to a place that does not allow for chickens in town. Finding this unsatisfactory, I have been working with a group of determined individuals to change the law. We have gained support of the mayor and have gotten this issue on the ballot for this November. This is a small (3,500) rural agricultural community in the far north, literally in the middle of nowhere. It is hard for people to accept change especially in small towns such a this one. We have some great support and some small but very loud opposition.

I am hoping to get some advice from people who have been successful and unsuccessful at changing their towns chicken laws. I want to run a healthy campaign and previous experience is so important. What worked for you? What would you do differently?

Anything would be great!
Thank you!

 

[3riverschick]

Years ago animal activist came to our small rural community. they wanted to limit the amount of animals we can have on our property. we called a meeting of the zoning board. I went and so did the Dairy Farmers. the Dairy Farmers informed the board that are County was licensed for all USDA agricultural activities. this included chickens and horses and Dairy Farmers etc etc . . they informed the zoning board that if they try to limit the types of animals that were allowed on the properties, that all the Dairy Farmers who paid a lot of taxes would be on their doorstep. the zoning board tabled the motion and never Revisited it again . The point is if your county is zoned for all USDA agricultural activities that may be some leverage that you can use .
Best ,
Karen

 

[Then I Will]

I live outside of Annville, Pennsylvania and we have no chicken ordinances out here--- only within town, obviously.

I have a neighbor who is trying to file complaints against me for my small flock of 13 birds and I'm looking into attending a township meeting to learn more about what I can do to protect the rights I have out here. Since I have a few other neighbors who have chickens, should the one problem neighbor go to town over it, I know he'll be outnumbered, but I'm currently trying to figure out how and when to attend one of the town meetings.

 

[Trellinius]

I can see both sides to some extent....First, i strongly believe anyone with a yard should be allowed to have "some" chickens. Apartment dwellers and others without a yard would not be allowed to have chickens. Some localities have restrictions on roosters as a noise nuisance which I can understand, though I disagree with.
But all in all I believe it is reasonable to restrict the number of birds on has in a highly populated area. Up to 5 chickens would not be a problem most anywhere, but more than that leads to concentrations of chicken manure that fosters somenella, foments ammonia, and other health concerns. Imagine a street of houses all on 1/10 acre lots, and every family having 5 hens. That's fifty hens for an acre with 10 houses. More than that and the potential for disease and odor is quite high.
So all in all, I can see some restrictions or limitations, but would fight any total ban....and fight for some reasonable accomodation for chickens to be raised in town. But it doen't have to be an 'as many as I want' or 'none at all' issue.