chicken laws Mass towns of Lakeville, Sharon, Norton, Easton

[Chicken Chickita]

I'm trying to buy a home in one of the above towns. Does anyone know the chicken laws for any of those towns? It was unclear on their websites.

Thanks!

 

[dretd]

Quote:
It took about 5 minutes of searching for the first town of Lakeville: http://www.lakevillema.org/ go to the by-laws
Here's the zoning by-laws: http://www.lakevillema.org/uploads/MASTER-%202009%20ZONING%20BY-LAWS.pdf
excerpt: (R=Residential, Y=permitted, SP=special permit required)
4.1.1 Residential Uses R B I I-B
Accessory Apartment Y SP N SP(Adopted 6/15/09, approved by Attorney General 8/18/09)
Single-family, detached dwellings Y SP N SP
Farm, garden, greenhouse or nursery, including the Y Y Y Y
display and sale of natural products; when involving
the raising and keeping of livestock other than for the
private use of the residents, allowed only on parcels
of five (5) acres or larger.
Stand for the sale of agricultural products less than 5 acres SP SP SP SP

I could not find specifics on poultry but it looks like the raising and keeping of livestock for the private use of residents is allowed.

Here are the general by-laws: http://www.lakevillema.org/General%20By-laws%202010.pdf
The only reference to animals was a leash law for dogs.

Mind you I only skimmed the combined 150 pages.

I would call them and ask them citing this zoning by-law and reconfirm. If they deny then ask them where specifically it outlaws poultry, don't just take the gate-keepers word for it. I have found that some people say no when they really don't know the answer.

Try looking up the other towns ( ie google Sharon, MA) and then look at their by-laws.

 

[Chicken Chickita]

Thanks so much. That was so helpful!!! I'm so nervous about looking for a house that I can have my chickens but also finding a good neighborhood on other criteria as well. At least it will probably narrow down the search. Surprisingly, my realtor had no idea about poultry laws.