Chicks in Hobart IN???

[indianagrl]

Hi all! DH and I have been researching adding a small flock of laying hens to our "Green Acre". I am having some trouble figuring out what is legal for our neighborhood. We have a Merrillville mailing address, but our taxes go to Hobart. If anyone is familiar with the area we live on 73rd Ave between Mississippi and Colorado. Per Merrillville, we are not zoned to them so they do not care about what we do. According to the muni code for Hobart, our chicks would need to be housed 200 ft away from our neighbors dwelling (which we could do, but they would be way in the back of our lot). Does anyone know if we have to follow the Hobart codes if we don't live within the city limits? I am so confused! Normally, I would just throw caution to the wind; I doubt anyone would even know they were there as the area where we want to put them is privacy fenced. BUT...we have a very nosy, meddling neighbor and I don't want to do anything before I have my ducks (or chicks!) in a row. Sorry this is so long and possibly confusing and TIA for any help

 

[LarryPQ]

If you are not in city limits, you are bound by municipal codes for your county.

On top of that---you need to see what your zoning is for your lot. If your zoning says no chickens, it trumps any county laws.

 

[TheBrumstead]

Hi! I'm in Hobart too! Just across the tree line from the new high school. We have 7 acres (and are just inside city limits, but had horses too) so have to follow the 200 ft rule. Did you check with the zoning board for both Hobart and Merrillville?

 

[Rea70]

I have a Hobart mailing address but live in Merrillville Town limits. Last year I looked up Merrillville town code and there was nothing prohibiting poultry or fowl. Today I got a notice from Animal Control that I have 10 days to get rid of my chickens. Aside from going to the town hall to ask about the town code and if it has changed, does anyone else have any experience with the town of Merrillville and regulations regarding hens?

 

[Mary1999]

I have a Hobart mailing address but live in Merrillville Town limits. Last year I looked up Merrillville town code and there was nothing prohibiting poultry or fowl. Today I got a notice from Animal Control that I have 10 days to get rid of my chickens. Aside from going to the town hall to ask about the town code and if it has changed, does anyone else have any experience with the town of Merrillville and regulations regarding hens?

Rea70,
What ever happened? Did you have to get rid of your chickens? I also read the code of ordinances for the city of Merrillville and even though chapter 5 specifically says "Animals and Fowl" it never says anything about not being able to keep chickens. I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know. Thanks!