Florence, Mississippi

[StarrNico]

Anyone else around Florence, Ms, or in Rankin county? I got an e-mail back from city of florence telling me that I don't officialy live in the city, and have to contact county people. County website is even more confusing to me than city website. I am trying to find out if I can own chickens, or another bird here. Please help or comment. thanks.

 

[BigECarter]

Here is the zoning rules for Rankin County:

http://www.rankincounty.org/CD/images/Rankin Co Zoning Ord 2010.pdf

I believe that you are allowed something only if it is listed. The only zone where chickens are allowed is AGRICULTURAL INTENSIVE DISTRICT (A-2), on page 43. Note that the lots in A-2 are supposed to be one acre or more.

Do you know what your zoning is? If not:

http://www.rankincounty.org/CD/images/12-17-2010 Rankin County Official Zoning Map.pdf

I would not call and ask the county directly, unless you plan to follow what they say. In my case, I read up on the zoning ordinances, and was not surprised to see that I cannot have chickens on my two acres, while the residents in the neighboring golf course can have chickens on their small lots (although they probably have covenants to follow). I have had my fill with fighting the county (rebuilding post-Katrina) and I will let someone else fight the chicken fight. I didn't ask. I am fairly certain that the county has had their fill of dealing with me as well, so am pretty sure they won't say anything, in the off chance anyone notices. I might be pushing it with the rooster. Not a problem yet since my one neighboring house is vacant, and my roo hasn't started crowing yet.

Good luck!
E

 

[StarrNico]

I think we live in a R-MX zone but i'm not sure since my comp has problems with the site. The zoning rules don't say anything about chickens or any other pets.
Some other people on our street have chickens. Legal or not. I have't spoken to them and don't know them.
The neighbors next to me might call cops just because.

 

[dingomom]

I had a silky hen and her brood in my backyard (eaglewood subdivision) for approx 1yr and did not have any complaints... They even escaped and went to my neighbor's yard a few times. The neighbors enjoyed watching us trying to round them back up.. As long as you keep the area clean and nice, no one should care... If the city has a problem, remind them that "this n that" (pink shack that's downtown) & the dilapidated house with siding ripped off, trashed yard, & no curtains in windows (both on Main Street) are hazards and they also make the city look like chicken poop!