City ordinance grey area?

[SalemUnderground]

Do you by chance live in Salem, OR? I live in west Salem and keep 4 hens illegally. One neighbor complained and I was told by the city to get rid of them or I would be cited. I waited for the citation to come in the mail so I could fight it and try to get the ordinance changed, but the citation never came (it's been 7 weeks) so I don't want to stir the pot. I still have my girls and glad I didn't give them up. I just found out the city is going to re-write all the ordinances in about six months because they are ambiguous and outdated. The city is collecting citizen input about how they would like to see the ordinances changed. I submitted a draft proposal based on what other cities have done. I'm trying to find others to do the same. Interested?

 

[TaLani]

I would talk to your neighbors and see if they would sign a petition stating that they believe it is okay to have chickens w/in the city limits. Also, don't just have your neighbors sign it, seek out your local officials -- building permit inspector, fire marshall/chief, police chief, local attorneys, local politicians, school board director, postmaster, etc. Tell them your situation, show them the exact language & explain why it's such "grey" language & take good pics to show how close your coop/run is from your home.

If you get the big guns on your side it might make it harder for them to fight you re the "grey area" language. Get all the fire power you can gather NOW, rather than later because by then it may be too late for your feathered babies.

Don't be afraid to consult w/ an attorney in your area on your situation either. It's possible that the ordinance has never been challenged before so, the more prepared you are now may make all the difference in the end.

One item to mention to them is the fact that if it was such a big deal for you to not have chickens, then the postmaster (who's an elected official) should have not let you pick them up if it was against the local ordinance re such critters! Ha, beat them at their own game!