Elyria, OH 44035

[MaureenRN]

So what is the verdict on chickens in Elyria? I live on the north side, also in the Windsor area. I can't find anything online for ordinances. I just want a small coop, 6 chickens or so only for eggs.
Maureen

 

[Chemguy]

Your situation sounds similar to mine. I'm just outside of Springfield (NE of Dayton) and went looking for laws before I got my chickens. It took a long time to get the answer I needed (well, any answer). That's not because of an unhelpful attitude but because in my area chickens just seem to be somewhere in-between pets and livestock. Nobody seemed to know. It took a while to talk to "the" person who could answer my questions. In the end, my code enforcement officer was that person. I learned that where I live, state law is the one that is on the books (5+ acres if in a platted subdivision). Enforcement is delegated to the municipality (township, for me) by the state. The attitude is that if the township doesn't have a law to enforce, no enforcement can take place, and that the state can enforce state law. Only health regulations and public nusiance issues are enforced. That's not the slam-dunk that I had hoped for, but I found the conversation very reassuring. So did my zoning officer, who was more accustomed to the "better to ask forgiveness than permission" approach.

Since that time, I've had the same zoning officer on my property for another issue (invited) and he had nothing to say about my setup. The birds are quiet, the coop and run are clean and there's no smell. I spoke with my neighbors before starting, and they were all fine with it.

I know that all this doesn't answer your question directly, but I guess that what I'm saying is that the zoning officer might be the person to speak with. Police don't monitor zoning issues and are probably not as in-touch with the regulations.

 

[MaureenRN]

I called the Law Director's office yesterday- no restrictions for chickens. The issuse changes when there is a noise complaint or any destruction of someone else's property caused by the chickens.

 

[johnnyboy]

the link won't work directly, but you can go here... http://www.amlegal.com/library/oh/elyria.shtml

click "frames" then search for "505"

 

[SSJ]

I called the Law Director's office yesterday- no restrictions for chickens. The issuse changes when there is a noise complaint or any destruction of someone else's property caused by the chickens.

This is helpful information I had wondered the same.

 

[Mr Spot]

You'll have to get a copy of the zoning regulations from the city department.

Contact your city health inspector, he or she should be able to tell you.

 

[Bns1089]

Quote:

Hi! I grew up in Elyria! Small world! I have been researching this for my mom who still lives there and as far as I am finding it seems to be okay in most parts of town. A few months ago I came across a map online of the Zoning for Elyria also read through the ordinances. In most of the zones it appears to be okay. If you want to PM me with a more specific area of where you are living I can try to help you out with links and such. Be patient with me it took a bit of digging! So far the only places not allowed are obviously the apartment developments. Like on the North side and a few small areas by the mall.
Sarah

I just moved to Elyria and they are giving me a hassle about my 4 hens. I tried doing my research prior to buying my home but like so many above I did not find anything