City Code Offices - Need suggestions on gaining positive results

[sdChickie]

Hello-

I do have hens that are kept in a yard that falls just a little short of the current required amount of 50ft from all residences. I have been in communication with all neighbors to ensure the chickens do not bother them and all is OK. However someone did report them, perhaps just a passer by or meter reader from the city? Any rate now I have to report back to them and hopefully not lose my hens!! The code ALSO mentions you can submit a request for a 'special permit'. No one is aware of this? But I want to request it if I can keep my chickens? Do you know what my rights are - if the code states this, is a city required to offer it?

Can anyone suggest ways I can work with this to gain a positive response? Thank you so much!

 

[Chris in South Park]

Hi Allie, the code section about the special permit is now void because the city did away with its health department many years ago and now relies on the county health department. So there is no longer any department at city level to take the request. The county refuses to acknowledge that this is part of their responsibility and will not even accept requests. We had thought about suing the county in a mandamus action to require they perform their government duties, but we agreed this would not only be extremely expensive, it would alienate people not only in government but taxpayers as well if they had to foot the bill for defending a lawsuit. Our grassroots efforts to change the code are far more positive and are being met with surprisingly huge support from even otherwise disinterested neighbors.
Chris