GREAT NEWS in Montgomery County, MD!

[atownchicks]

Great job!
I'm lucky my girls are on Ag land in Frederick Co Md. I live in Brunswick, MD (also in Frederick Co) and the city is VERY against chickens.

 

[chateau poulet]

If anyone is having trouble joining the Montgomery County Yahoo Group, please try going to
http://groups.yahoo.com/
Then search for
Backyardchickensmontgomerycountymd

OR try this link
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackyardChickensMontgomeryCountyMD/

OR email me and I'll send you an "invitation".

The main focus of this group for the next months is staying informed about the new chicken code that is making it's way through to our County Council. So far, we've had great support, and have enjoyed working with the Planning Board to find a reasonable code for BYC that will allow more families in MoCo to have BYC legally. The most important thing is that we may need to BE THERE to quietly support BYC in MoCo, in the event that we encounter some push-back in the final stages. This listserv is to quickly get the word out so we can have a presence if we need it, and to keep everyone informed of developments.

Once this new code goes through, then hopefully we can use the Yahoo Group for more FUN things, like organizing a tour of coops, and a meet-up group to talk BYC and get great ideas. Also, if anyone is ever in a pinch and needs quick, LOCAL help, this is the way to put out a call (e.g. immediate re-homing need, etc.)

Thanks for your interest! I'm so excited that BYC folks here in our county are getting connected!

 

[chateau poulet]

One more note, for families with young kids, when the time comes, PLEASE bring your kids along! It is a great way for the Council to see that this is a family fun activity, and these chickens are our family pets. Kids are GREAT chicken ambassadors!

 

[bokbokbokbgok]

Here is some more information...

Here's the page from the MC Planning Commission about an overall update to zoning changes, intended or final review by the City Council in May 2013.
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/zoning/interact.shtm
The calendar says there was a work session on agricultural issues this past 28-Feb.
There have been multiple versions of the overall "Staff recommendations." This PDF may be the latest:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/zoning/documents/59-3.Uses7.23.12.pdf

Karin previously posted about this here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCPcommunitygardens/message/1740

From what I understand, the staff recommendations are now in their final form (as in 59-3.Uses7.23.12.pdf), and if the council passes them in May, will become the new rule.

Michael

 

[chateau poulet]

Hi, All,
Here is the final text, from Emily Tettelbaum at Park and Planning. [email protected]
I received this from her on Jan 7, and I have not heard that there have been any changes since then.
I'll confirm that with her and report back here...

Note that the only setback requirement is to meet the setback requirements for the zone, which is 5 feet from the property line. They removed the "distance from house" requirement because of the complications with people putting on additions which could force a neighbor out of compliance.


"Animal Husbandry
1. Defined
Animal husbandry is the accessory practice of raising hens, ducks, miniature
goats, rabbits, and bees.
2. Use Standards
Where animal husbandry is allowed as a limited use, it is subject to the following
standards:
a. Any accessory structure used to house hens, ducks, miniature
goats, or rabbits must meet the setback requirements of an accessory
structure for the zone.
b. One miniature goat may be kept for every 2,000 square feet of land area
and one hen, duck, or rabbit may be kept for every 1,000 square feet of
land area. A combined total of 8 animals is allowed per lot.
c. Roosters are prohibited.
d. In the CRN, CRT, CR, GR, NR, LSC, EOF, IM, and IH zones, only bees are
allowed."

 

[mcho22]

Hello,

I am planning on moving to Gaithersburg, MD in a few weeks. I will have about half an acre in the backyard but I still can't figure out if I'm able to have my chicken coop in the backyard. Can someone help me understand local govt laws and figure out what zoning I'm in. ? You can also answer me back personally at [email protected]

 

[leghorn88]

Have the new Montgomery county rules taken effect yet?

 

[chateau poulet]

Have the new Montgomery county rules taken effect yet?

No, tomorrow (Tues April 23) is the last public hearing before the new zoning code goes from the Planning Board to the County Council. Hopefully the Planning Board's recommendation will go through...

 

[techchick]

Is there any news on how the planning meeting went yesterday?

 

[techchick]

Is there any news on how the planning meeting went yesterday?

Edit:

So I went to the planning board website and skimmed the video from the proceedings.

http://mncppc.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2