Having issues finding zoning for Carroll County, MD.

[Justafarmgirl]

When last I looked(October), I found their zoning code pretty strictly written out as "No chicken coops within 200ft of residences or churches", but it didn't have a limitation on the NUMBER of chickens you can have. Does anyone out there have any links I can follow(To legislation only please, I've already read all the news articles).

Derp! For Carroll County, MD.

 

[gmendoza]

Ours doesnt here in Rock Hill,SC as well. It states no chicken coops within 30 feet of main dwelling.

Someone here got in trouble last year for having 150 chickens in his back yard,so I say thats the limit in Rock Hill.

If thats the standard,then we can have 149!! j\\k DW

 

[Diesirae]

gmendoza,
I'm hoping there isn't anything like zoning laws that will get in the way in RH,SC. A neighbor had to get rid of his goat perhaps b/c it was closer than 90ft from his house or something else. I've searched for hours online and even through some 560 pages of zoning foofoo and fun nothing but the 30ft from a house line as well. I'm only going for 5-6 chicks on a good size backyard. I'll have to egg my neighbor's house if they complain & i have to get rid of my chickens ;D

 

[smithma7]

I, too, would like more info on chicken laws in Carroll County. I have found nothing on their government site and even Tweeted to them the other day asking about local laws on chickens. No response yet. If they ever DO respond, I will gladly post on the forum whatever I learn.

 

[myjunoli]

I know this is an old thread, but if someone should be searching online and find it, go to http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/zoningad/default.asp and call the main number (Phone: 410-386-2980). Tell the person who answers how much land you have and they will tell you how many hens/ducks/whatever you can have on your land.

HTH!

 

[ruca3144]

This is an old thread but was wondering if you guys had any luck? I think we're good to keep up to 6 chickens since we have just under an acre, but wash;t sure if there are any restrictions on the coop. I've emailed the zoning administrator and am hoping to hear back soon so we can start building our coop!

 

[Michy959]

Hi, just called the county zoning office because I was wondering the same. These were the only residential restrictions they told me:
-8 chickens for each acre of land that you own (I have 2.5 acres, so they told me I can have up to 16 chickens)
-The coup must be at least 75 ft from your house

I asked them about any noise ordinances with Roos and they told me there were none! Hope this helps.

 

[ruca3144]

Thanks! They did email me back and sent this document (I wish I could attach it but I'll just copy and paste). It's slightly different that 8 per acre, but at least now I know that my 5 chickens will be legal! Now I just need to get confirmation on building the coop. Hopefully we don't need a building permit for such a small structure.



Office of Zoning Administration


DECLARATORY RULING – 1-2010

Keeping of Domestic Animals as Pets
This interpretation applies to properties which do not qualify for Agricultural uses.
​

In all zoning districts, while there is no specific provision, it is reasonable to include the keeping of certain domestic animals as pets as an accessory use, “customarily incidental to any principal permitted use.”

In making this interpretation, it is important to determine what is “customary” in a particular zone or a particular neighborhood. For example, in a neighborhood of one acre or larger lots, one (1) goat, sheep, pot-bellied pig or similar sized animal may be equivalent to keeping a large dog, and the Code would allow as many as three (3) dogs. On lots of three (3) acres or larger in the Agricultural district, you may have as many goats, sheep, cows, or horses as you want. It would seem to be reasonable then to allow one (1) goat, sheep, pot-bellied pig, or similar sized animal on a lot of one (1) acre or larger, and up to three (3) goats, sheep or similar size animal on a lot of two (2) acres or more in a zone which does not qualify for Agricultural uses.

As to smaller animals, e.g. rabbits, chickens, ducks, or similar sized animals, the general practice is to allow up to six (6) rabbits, chickens, ducks, or similar sized animals, on lots of less than three (3) acres. The Code allows you to have up to three (3) dogs as personal pets, in any zone, and if six chickens are equal to one (1) goat or dog, then on lots less than one (1) acre, you may have up to six (6) chickens, rabbits, ducks, or similar sized animals. On lots of less than two (2) acres, you may have up to twelve (12) chickens, rabbits, ducks, or similar sized animals. On lots of less than three (3) acres, a maximum of eighteen (18) chickens, rabbits, ducks, or similar sized animals would be appropriate. On any lot greater than one (1) acre, a building permit would be needed for any structure housing animals, and the location would have to be in the rear yard of the lot and meet setbacks of seventy-five (75) feet from all property lines.

In a neighborhood of lots smaller than one acre, regardless of zone, the aforementioned large pets goats, sheep, pot bellied pigs, or other similar sized animals would be less appropriate and not allowed on lots smaller than one (1) acre.

With respect to smaller animals on lots less than one (1) acre, e.g. rabbits, chickens, ducks, or similar sized animals, the general practice has been to allow up to six (6), and limiting the size of the shelter to approximately the size of a large dog house. Given the limit in size, these structures would not be regulated as to location and would not require building permits.

It should be noted that the foregoing serves only as a guideline and that individual cases may result in different recommendations.


____________________________
Jay C. Voight
Zoning Administrator
July 1, 2010