City Rules (Gardena, California)

[gardenways]

Hello, Everyone. I've been browsing the BackYard Chickens site for awhile, but only just registered. We would really like to have two or three hens in our city backyard. Been thinking about it for a couple of years and are now ready to take the plunge.... I contacted the city of Gardena (just south of L.A.) to find out if it's legal. The woman who responded said NO.
BUT, if you read the actual law, it doesn't say "no fowl;" it says no NOISY animals or fowl. Ha! The two dogs next door are noisier than a couple of hens!
I'll try posting the law here to see if you agree with me. Please read it and, then, I'd appreciate some advice on how to proceed. Thank you, new Chicken Friends. Carola in Gardena (Gardenways)

THE LAW:
a portion of the City of Gardena Municipal Code (copied from Gardena's website) that pertains to fowl (chickens):
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Chapter 6.16
NOISY ANIMALS AND FOWL
Sections:

6.16.010 Noisy animals and fowl in residential districts prohibited.

6.16.010 Noisy animals and fowl in residential districts prohibited.
No person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained, upon any premises in any residential district of the city any animal, rooster or fowl which by any sound, crow or cry shall disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with any person in the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property. (Prior code § 5-1.301)
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The City Official:
In summary, the answer is that the raising of fowl is not allowed in the City of Gardena. If you wish clarification, I would ask that you contact members of the Code Enforcement Team in the Police Department by calling 310/217-6171.
Thank you for your inquiry.
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Carola: There. What do you think??

 

[onthespot]

I think it is pretty plain... no chickens. You could go commando and when you get busted pay the fines and re-home your pets. You could move. You could buy store bought eggs and stay in Gardena. You could file for an exemption if you join 4H I have heard but don't know if it is true or not.

 

[Holly O]

I'd call the number and Inquirer about the NOISY ANIMAL by law. ...lol

If the dogs next door are that bothersome to you. ...LOL

 

[jaku]

I'm a cop, so I read these "written-by-lawyers-so-regular-people-can't-understand-them" laws all the time. I think you're ok. The "which by any sound" means to me that they're prohibiting noisy animals. Now keep in mind, even layers make a bit of noise, so depending on whether your neighbors are disturbed, you should be ok. Birds are not specifically prohibited. If one is reading it that birds are prohibited, ALL animals are prohibited, as it says "any animal, rooster, or fowl," but as it's just referring to noise, I think you're fine.