Help save my chickens! I need to know what our right are!!!

[PeacheslovePong]

Hi everyone! I'm a new egg and I have ruffled feathers. I am trying to navigate my way through BYC. I replied to an earlier post so my apologies to those of you who saw this already, but I need help ASAP!!!!



I love backyardchickens.com!! Thanks for all the great info

We were rudely awaken this morning by a "CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER" from the County of San Diego YAY

We have had our feathered friends for about a year now, no problems besides a few surprise roosters which have been relocated to greener grass. About 9 months ago my neighbor had his son, daughter in-law and baby move in. That same weekend, we received our first complaint (they came over) about our dogs. We had come to an agreement and the problem had been solved. Now they found something else to complain about.
This morning we were told we had two weeks to move our coop or we will be fined! Thanks for coming to us first!! I have been looking at rules/laws/ordinance etc to see what our rights are. My other neighbors have two horses (FCOL) We live in Lakeside which is unincorporated county and it states:

Unincorporated San Diego: From 10 to 100 chickens in the county's unincorporated areas, depending on the size of the property. Up to 25 chickens are allowed in most residential areas. Coops also are required.

Now my question is, how far does the coop have to be from neighboring homes or property line in my area?

We were told "the coop has to be 10' feet away from the property line". Can someone please help us?! I will not let him win by making us get rid our our sassy hens!

Sincerely,
ruffled feathers

 

[sandmbaker]

Hi. Your story sounds like what I dread happening to me. OK so my city ordinance says no livestock but the definition of livestock is an animal used for slaughter or profit and my chickens are neither of those! Fight for your rights and do your homework read exactly what the ordinance says and look up each word that is questionable. I do not sell my eggs I give them away therefore I am not profiting from them and I am most certainly not going to slaughter them. I don't have any roosters so there is no reason for anyone to complain. Keep us posted on your situation! And good luck! You can do it!

 

[sandmbaker]

Also I have heard ten to fifteen feet from neighboring property line. But don't quote me

 

[CGinJCMO]

Sorry you are having such a bad time with the neighbors. Hope you get the advice and knowledge you need.

CG

 

[Heat]

http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter04/Ch04Art02Division07.pdf

Here is some information about Animals and Poultry from San Diego Municipal Code... It looks like 10-15 feet away from the property line is the law... I would do some calling around to see what the zoning laws actually are though (I am unsure how dated the above link is).

Good luck and I really hope you can keep your ladies!!!

Darn neighbors anyway :-(