Hi there. Trying not to make this a long post. I've had my girls for 4 years. No one knew, and those who did didn't care. In fact, my immediate neighbors LIKE them. One neighbor across the street is sisters w/my immediate neighbor, so she knew and got 12 hens (we're only allowed 6). She got them before she had a coop, so they were free-ranging (totally against Code) on her .67 acres. Well, folks started complaining and yep. Now I'M in trouble. The ordinance in Scottsville, NY is that you need .5 acre AND they need to be securely locked up (which they are). Apparently, I live on .35 acres.
I was given 45 days to rehome them or face $250 fine and/or 15 days in jail until they're gone. I went to talk to the Mayor (of our 2500 person town), and in walks the building inspector. Get this...BACK STORY: We spent 5 yrs remodeling a zombie home in the village (hit by a car, abandoned for 8 yrs, siding falling off), made it beautiful, moved in, and just bought and are remodeling the home next door that was deemed unlivable (hit by a car). So he this building inspector has been in and out of both properties for 3 yrs...HE NEVER KNEW WE HAD CHICKENS!
The Mayor was sympathetic and suggested, in jest - but not really, that I go to a Counselor and get a letter to say that they are Emotional Support Animals because they are more my pets than egg-layers, and bring that letter to the Village Board Mtg in Feb.
I don't think I'll do that, lol. Those who need ESA is a real thing and I don't want to make light of that just to save my girls...But I am stressing a bit. I'm afraid they're going to follow the "letter of the law" and demand that I meet the .5 acre requirement. We've had to deal with the Historic Board because our home is 175 yrs old, and these small-town boards are funny...some are on a power-trip and that's what I'm afraid of.
Though, if the girls are locked up, what does it matter? I'm looking up other towns in the county and it's split. Some towns don't care, as long as you have 6 hens and a secure coop. Others are on the NO CHICKEN train.
The Mayor asked if I'd be okay w/a compromise...keeping them until they "cross the rainbow bridge" (die), and then committing to never getting girls again. Uh, I don't know. I've had chickens for 25 years and my son who is moving next door wants chickens. Plus, I feel that it's silly, i.e., you have to lock up and secure the girls - what difference does it make how big your lot size is... I think I'd want MORE girls. I'd really like them to change the law.
Any thoughts??? Should I bring proof of what other towns in the area do??
Bird Girl in Scottsville
I was given 45 days to rehome them or face $250 fine and/or 15 days in jail until they're gone. I went to talk to the Mayor (of our 2500 person town), and in walks the building inspector. Get this...BACK STORY: We spent 5 yrs remodeling a zombie home in the village (hit by a car, abandoned for 8 yrs, siding falling off), made it beautiful, moved in, and just bought and are remodeling the home next door that was deemed unlivable (hit by a car). So he this building inspector has been in and out of both properties for 3 yrs...HE NEVER KNEW WE HAD CHICKENS!
The Mayor was sympathetic and suggested, in jest - but not really, that I go to a Counselor and get a letter to say that they are Emotional Support Animals because they are more my pets than egg-layers, and bring that letter to the Village Board Mtg in Feb.
I don't think I'll do that, lol. Those who need ESA is a real thing and I don't want to make light of that just to save my girls...But I am stressing a bit. I'm afraid they're going to follow the "letter of the law" and demand that I meet the .5 acre requirement. We've had to deal with the Historic Board because our home is 175 yrs old, and these small-town boards are funny...some are on a power-trip and that's what I'm afraid of.
Though, if the girls are locked up, what does it matter? I'm looking up other towns in the county and it's split. Some towns don't care, as long as you have 6 hens and a secure coop. Others are on the NO CHICKEN train.
The Mayor asked if I'd be okay w/a compromise...keeping them until they "cross the rainbow bridge" (die), and then committing to never getting girls again. Uh, I don't know. I've had chickens for 25 years and my son who is moving next door wants chickens. Plus, I feel that it's silly, i.e., you have to lock up and secure the girls - what difference does it make how big your lot size is... I think I'd want MORE girls. I'd really like them to change the law.
Any thoughts??? Should I bring proof of what other towns in the area do??
Bird Girl in Scottsville
.
