Disappointed

[TyrannosaurusChix]

is there another part that actually lists fowl?

 

[MissJenny]

The "livestock" word is very vague. Typically chickens are not livestock, but rather they are poultry or fowl. Livestock most commonly refers to cows, sheep, horses, goats, pigs. Where I live all these animals are listed out so it is very clear. And poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys) have their own category and their own ordinance.

I'm with you, I'm not sure I would pursue it or ignore it. When I was a kid we had chickens in our subdivision and it never occurred to us to see if it was all right. I am wondering what your town says regarding rabbits? Livestock? Or rodent?

I hope it works out for you. If these small towns were smart they would simply collect a "zoning fee" and make a little cash on the side every year per animal.

Good luck,
Jenny

 

[anbhean]

I also live in a "rural" town (IE-- mostly known for livestock, cowboys and 'rural' heritage) but in Colorado. Because I live in city limits-- they require 10,386 square feet per chicken here. On my average "suburban" lot, I can have 1.6 chickens with this ridiculous limitation. I have three. They can bite me.

NOT that I'm recommending "sneaking" for you mind you, just saying I can sympathize with your situation. You can always try getting City Council to change the code, but I can tell you, where I am at that was a no win situation and very frustrating! Good luck!

 

[agnes_day]

if you had that much land, i cant see anyone noticing anyways.

 

[Hottchick]

Honestly right now, my inclination is to ignore the fact that I know anything about ordinance. I don't think that anyone near to me will mind. My neighbors are screened from my yard by bushes and trees. Their backyards are between my property and their houses. No one would really be able to see unless they come up in my yard. I don't think anyone would complain (or report me) that regularly comes in my yard. I guess if I decide to ignore it and eventually someone does report it and there is a problem, I would have to go with plan B. Sometimes a little civil disobedience is in order.

Oh, and the fowl was lumped in with livestock and listed as livestock although we all know that chickens can be pets. I believe the ordinance was adopted in the 60's. My husband has lived in this town his whole life and when he was a child he had numerous friends keeping horses in their backyard. That's probably why and when the ordinance was adopted. I can see it for horses, cattle etc. but a 5 pound chicken is a whole different entity.

 

[Hottchick]

I am afraid I am "chickening out". I so don't know what to do. I was just reading posts about "egg songs" and I am afraid that if I get chickens against town ordinance that I will have to get rid of them. I just really don't know what to do.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
What is the definition of ""livestock". I think that may hold the key to the interpretation of this ordinance (is it a municipal code or zoning ordinance?).

 

[Hottchick]

I think I will go talk to the town clerk again. I don't want to feel like I'm doing something wrong and I don't want to tell my children that they need to hide the fact that we have chickens.

I don't know if I should try to get a permit for 2 which would probably be legal. Get a permit for 2, if they allow it, and really have more? Or just forget the whole thing. Or just go for it and see what happens. I'm just afraid that we will get attached and then have to give them away.

Just really confused.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Beware of getting advice from a municipal employee and relying on ONLY that. I asked my town clerk if a permit was necessary for a chicken coop and she said "no". As it turns out, that's technically correct, HOWEVER, chickens are not legal according to our Zoning Enforcement Officer, on lots of less than 5 acres. So, the coop is fine, the hens aren't! We have 18 chickens and despite an early rooster complaint and letter from the ZEO, we kept the chickens. We got rid of the rooster and everyone is happy. The ZEO didn't really care about the chickens as long as our neighbor was placated. I'd love to try to tweak the Zoning Regs, but don't want to bring any more attention to my chickens than necessary. I'd rather MOVE than get rid of my girls.

Do your research on your own as to the laws and regulations FIRST and then inquire of city officials as to how they interpret them in practice.

Good luck.

 

[DragonEggs]

Are you aware that the code you posted says 20,00 (3 zeros with a misplaced comma). Is it 20,000 and you forgot a zero or did you copy and paste that exact and they misplaced the comma. I would have ignored it as a typo but the 40,00 is the same way.

Call zoning and ordinances and ask them about it. If it comes down to it try to apply for the permit and see what the permit allows.

Or just do what I did and get the chickens and screw everyone else.