I am a Denver resident, about 7 days away from the end of my 30-day complaint period, after which I may finally be granted my permit. Whew. I actually *should* have received my permit today, but my Zoning case manager got sick and was out for a week the day after I dropped off my paperwork. He called a week later to let me know the process would be delayed (this is after I had already followed his instructions and posted the sign on my house).
Just a couple of additions to UrbanSustainability's post:
- There are actually *2* visits to Animal Control required. The first comes when you deliver your initial application letter. I suppose this visit is optional - you could just mail your letter to them. However, I think there's a big difference in processing time for folks that hand deliver vs. folks who mail it in.
Anyway, after your 30-day complaint period is over and you receive the approval from zoning, you're required to go *back* to Animal Control, because they're the people who actually issue the livestock permit.
- There are 2 different signs that Zoning makes you post on your house. The first is during the first 10 days of your 30-day complaint period. If you get through those 30 days without any problems, then you can go to Zoning to get approval from them. At that time they give you a second sign that has to be posted on your house for (I believe) 15 days. This is the sign that gives instructions for anyone who wants to appeal the decision that granted you your permit.
- Also, don't forget that Zoning may make you get a permit for the construction of your coop. Zoning told me that you're required to get a building permit for any structure that's more than 12 inches above the group. That led to a spirited discussion about doghouses, and are people really supposed to get permits if they want to build a doghouse? (According to my Zoning case manager, yes- they're supposed to get a permit; and no - nobody does) I chose not to get a permit for my chicken coop, because that process is separate from the animal permitting process. However, I have a friend who's getting chickens and did apply for a building permit, and there was an additional fee for that. I believe it was $20, but I'm not sure.
I agree that we need to devise a plan to get this embarrassingly difficult process changed. I'm hoping we can use both the City's (supposedly) "green" reputation and the economic downturn to our advantage. The city of Denver funds a number of green projects. Why not take a little of that money to subsidize the permitting process for urban livestock? Also, it is ridiculous to charge $150 (with a $70 renewel) for permitting. Added to the cost of coop building and maintenance, buying chicks, feed, etc - it's pretty much impossible to eat that many eggs, therefore the project is financially unviable. With the amount of struggling some families are doing, it should be *cheaper* to feed ourselves at home - not more expensive.
-Sundari
www.eatwhereUlive.com
Just a couple of additions to UrbanSustainability's post:
- There are actually *2* visits to Animal Control required. The first comes when you deliver your initial application letter. I suppose this visit is optional - you could just mail your letter to them. However, I think there's a big difference in processing time for folks that hand deliver vs. folks who mail it in.
Anyway, after your 30-day complaint period is over and you receive the approval from zoning, you're required to go *back* to Animal Control, because they're the people who actually issue the livestock permit.
- There are 2 different signs that Zoning makes you post on your house. The first is during the first 10 days of your 30-day complaint period. If you get through those 30 days without any problems, then you can go to Zoning to get approval from them. At that time they give you a second sign that has to be posted on your house for (I believe) 15 days. This is the sign that gives instructions for anyone who wants to appeal the decision that granted you your permit.
- Also, don't forget that Zoning may make you get a permit for the construction of your coop. Zoning told me that you're required to get a building permit for any structure that's more than 12 inches above the group. That led to a spirited discussion about doghouses, and are people really supposed to get permits if they want to build a doghouse? (According to my Zoning case manager, yes- they're supposed to get a permit; and no - nobody does) I chose not to get a permit for my chicken coop, because that process is separate from the animal permitting process. However, I have a friend who's getting chickens and did apply for a building permit, and there was an additional fee for that. I believe it was $20, but I'm not sure.
I agree that we need to devise a plan to get this embarrassingly difficult process changed. I'm hoping we can use both the City's (supposedly) "green" reputation and the economic downturn to our advantage. The city of Denver funds a number of green projects. Why not take a little of that money to subsidize the permitting process for urban livestock? Also, it is ridiculous to charge $150 (with a $70 renewel) for permitting. Added to the cost of coop building and maintenance, buying chicks, feed, etc - it's pretty much impossible to eat that many eggs, therefore the project is financially unviable. With the amount of struggling some families are doing, it should be *cheaper* to feed ourselves at home - not more expensive.
-Sundari
www.eatwhereUlive.com
