Houston, we have a(n ordinance) problem!

maybe

Chirping
Apr 9, 2019
10
75
56
Hello everybody! I'm living in Houston (~5 minutes from downtown--not the 'burbs) in a neighborhood where the number of urban chickens seems to be growing quickly. The trick is, I don't think a single flock near us meets the current ordinance. Any coop is to be at least 100ft from the nearest neighboring building, and the lot minimum is 65'x125'. This ordinance is for up to 30 birds, hens and roos. Those distance and lot size requirements are functionally prohibitive to keeping chickens, at least in my part of the city.

I'm not looking to have my foray into chickens end in tears, so I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Needless to say, I'm hoping the chicken bills go somewhere this year! If they don't, we may talk with our adjacent neighbors and say a prayer if they don't object. I'd love to have half a dozen hens to meet my family's egg consumption and show my kids where some of their food comes from.

I've wanted chickens since my first introduction to urban chickens (I mean, who could resist a bunch of sweet Buff Orpingtons??!) in Salt Lake City back in 2011, and I've been visiting BYC here and there every time chicken fever hits. Since 2011 we've had several cross country moves to pursue education and employment, and finally bought a house 18 months ago. I am blessed to spend my days with my two children, and I like to sew and quilt once they're asleep for the night.

I look forward to learning a lot more before we hopefully get to take the leap!
 
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I wonder if they made that ordinance to technically discourage having urban chickens, or if they really have no idea what they're doing. Hard to tell with lawmakers.

Most people in towns or cities really only want to own 3-6 chickens, and 15 would be considered a large flock (to me anyway). Thirty is extreme, though makes sense on such an enormous lot, but like you said, not common. Instead of waiting to see if the laws just change on their own, you could go directly to your city representatives and try to have it updated yourself. It only takes one persistent person to make a difference and many folks have been successful making practical changes in their town. Here is a link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...you-change-your-local-chicken-l-o-r-e.316045/

Hope your dream of backyard chickening can (legally) come true!
 

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