Does the coop really have to be in a certain spot?

[3littlechickies]

Hi!

I am getting ready to build my coop! In Castro Valley, CA we can have up to three chickens with no permit. My mom read in a newspaper that San Leandro can now have chickens! It was talking about the coop, that it has to be some amount of space away from neighboring property lines.

Is that a normal rule? Should I look into that because I was planning for the coop to go right up against the fence! Thanks so much!!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

You need to read your local ordinances and zoning code. It is fairly common in residential areas that allow chickens to specify that the coop and/or pen be at least a certain distance from either the property line, others' residences or others' sleeping quarters.

 

[chfite]

Yes, indeed, check the written codes and ordinances yourself. Don't rely on anyone's interpretation or newspaper reports.

Chris

 

[aggiemae]

Aside from the codes for coop size and placement we need to get an inspection AND a permit that costs $40.00. I think the fee keeps low income folks from being able to keep chickens.

You really need to follow the codes even if you don't plan to get a permit because if anyone complains you might have to pay a find but at least you won't have to move your coop!

 

[MagsDeatrick]

I just found this out the hard way, too...we can't even get a permit for our girls, we have to get them a coop that's 30' from our neighbors...only one little spot for that in our yard. It's maddening. I have 2 hens, that's it. I can't think who complained since my neighbors both love visiting with them. We are building a bigger coop for our girls as we speak!

Good luck to all of us engaged in the fight for urban chickens and properly raising them!

http://realworldrunner.blogspot.com/2013/09/off-topic-in-trouble-with-law.html