After researching laws and ordinances in the city of Rochester, NY we started talking about getting chickens. Told most of the neighbors, who were super excited. Began building the coop two months prior to getting the chicks. The first complaint started on Day 2 of construction, with a neighbor that lives three houses away from mine, he stopped by and asked what we were doing. Told him about the chickens, he told us that wasn't legal in the city, I spoke with him about the laws and ordinances in our city. Went over the whole no rooster thing. He stopped by the next day to make sure I was joking about the coop, same conversation again.
While in building stages we spoke to zoning enforcement (within zoning regulations) and with the cities neighborhood association representative (also agreed we were within ordinances). Applied for chicken permit 2 weeks prior to their arrival. The permit has been held up for 2 months now for various reasons (first I over-payed my fee by a dollar, next they wouldn't renew for the year (their year starts July 1 and I applied in late June) and they said they would process on July 1. Next they sent it back to be notarized and to fill in our "business name". They have cashed my check, however I still have no permit.
I have received visits from animal control (also found no problems). I've also been visited by the fire department (no idea why). I've received warnings about inappropriate weeds/grass (when I spoke to the person issuing the citation they had no recollection of why I was cited, what my property looked like, or that I had two lots which were both cited).
Today I received a notice from the chief of police stating my license cannot be approved as I have outstanding fines from the city. I have called every number listed on the letter and checked my property at the city website. I have a home alarm and two dog licenses that they now claim haven't been paid. (I have cancelled checks, and the permits). The officer who issued the citation was unavailable by phone today.
I'm frustrated and feeling harassed by the city. I can't seem to get answers as to what rules I've violated from any city workers. Everyone who has come to evaluate the coop states it is in compliance with code. Any ideas? (See pictures of my coop on My Page)
While in building stages we spoke to zoning enforcement (within zoning regulations) and with the cities neighborhood association representative (also agreed we were within ordinances). Applied for chicken permit 2 weeks prior to their arrival. The permit has been held up for 2 months now for various reasons (first I over-payed my fee by a dollar, next they wouldn't renew for the year (their year starts July 1 and I applied in late June) and they said they would process on July 1. Next they sent it back to be notarized and to fill in our "business name". They have cashed my check, however I still have no permit.
I have received visits from animal control (also found no problems). I've also been visited by the fire department (no idea why). I've received warnings about inappropriate weeds/grass (when I spoke to the person issuing the citation they had no recollection of why I was cited, what my property looked like, or that I had two lots which were both cited).
Today I received a notice from the chief of police stating my license cannot be approved as I have outstanding fines from the city. I have called every number listed on the letter and checked my property at the city website. I have a home alarm and two dog licenses that they now claim haven't been paid. (I have cancelled checks, and the permits). The officer who issued the citation was unavailable by phone today.
I'm frustrated and feeling harassed by the city. I can't seem to get answers as to what rules I've violated from any city workers. Everyone who has come to evaluate the coop states it is in compliance with code. Any ideas? (See pictures of my coop on My Page)