How to get ordinance changed?

[Murdock624]

Thank y'all for all the advice and experiences. I did find a special request form on the county website so we'll probably try that. In our realtor's defense, we were kind of in a hurry to find a house as we had a contract on ours and the market was insane at the time. We were looking for a house with at least an acre that had 4 bedrooms (we have 4 kids) and there just wasn't a lot to choose from in our price range. We do love our house and property, and I was honestly shocked when they said we weren't able to have chickens because we're literally surrounded by farmland. We have a neighbor 2 houses down from ours that used to have horses. As for our neighbor, the whole thing has just been a complete mess. Funny thing is, when our realtor first showed us the house, the neighbor was outside working on something in his driveway. I can't explain it, but I just had a gut feeling about him when I saw him. I remember thinking, "I love the house, I'm just not sure about that neighbor..." Guess I should've listened to my gut. Sometimes I do wish we were able to move again, but we're just not able to at this time.

 

[gtaus]

Sometimes I do wish we were able to move again, but we're just not able to at this time.

Understand. I hope something works out for you.

 

[PirateGirl]

Different towns have different processes, but generally yes, there will be an official process you must follow to request a change. Generally some paperwork and/or a letter of intention submitted to the appropriate person, and then there will be some sort of hearing/discussion and a vote whether or not to approve your request. Your husband going direct to the town is a good first step and they will advise what you need to do next.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We asked about chickens and reSltor told us “yep, it’s fine” but we checked all other sources too, in order to verify.

Yup I did the same, since having chickens was very high on my list of must-haves for the house. Never trust the listing - it might not even be your realtor's mistake, but the sellers (in our home's listing it said we had high speed internet... in fact THERE WAS NO CABLE LINE to the house!)

For the chickens we checked zoning ordinances online, checked the plat map to make sure we had the correct zoning designation for this specific lot, then called the county as well to ensure that we were reading the ordinance correctly.

 

[goldysgirl]

Thank y'all for all the advice and experiences. I did find a special request form on the county website so we'll probably try that. In our realtor's defense, we were kind of in a hurry to find a house as we had a contract on ours and the market was insane at the time. We were looking for a house with at least an acre that had 4 bedrooms (we have 4 kids) and there just wasn't a lot to choose from in our price range. We do love our house and property, and I was honestly shocked when they said we weren't able to have chickens because we're literally surrounded by farmland. We have a neighbor 2 houses down from ours that used to have horses. As for our neighbor, the whole thing has just been a complete mess. Funny thing is, when our realtor first showed us the house, the neighbor was outside working on something in his driveway. I can't explain it, but I just had a gut feeling about him when I saw him. I remember thinking, "I love the house, I'm just not sure about that neighbor..." Guess I should've listened to my gut. Sometimes I do wish we were able to move again, but we're just not able to at this time.

You could move again and end up with even worse neigbors anyway. Anyone surrounded by good neighbors on all sides should consider themselves really lucky! People be crazy...and nosey...and gossipy...and rude. Of course, if you are lucky, you get some lovely neighbors thrown in, too.

 

[Murdock624]

I have a quick "non" update. My husband emailed the zoning director again last week specifically asking about ducks (since that's mainly what we're interested in) and listed our reasons for wanting to get a few. We haven't heard anything back yet. I'm wondering if they're just not replying and hoping we'll drop it. They replied almost immediately to our first email. I'm planning on sending a follow up soon. I was also wondering if anyone had experience raising coturnix quail in GA? I'm still researching, but I haven't been able to find any information as to whether or not we could raise quail in a residential area. Would we need a permit or anything? Thank y'all again for being so helpful!

 

[Murdock624]

UPDATE: I emailed the the zoning administrator again and he is going to put us on the agenda for the next planning commission meeting on Jan 23rd to plead our case. I know I don't have a lot of time to plan, but do y'all have any suggestions on what we should bring to this meeting? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[DottieMinerva]

You originally mentioned all your neighbors are agricultural. Bring the proof and map it out. Mention there aren't any residential properties within so many miles. Try searching the county property appraiser site for that information.

Provide scientific facts for the mosquito control benefits you mentioned. Find out if it reduces the amount of chemicals that leach into your water. In my area they stop allowing residential areas to fertilize in an attempt to reduce chemicals.

Whatever your reasons, back it up.

 

[RoosterML]

I wouldn’t go as far as stating mosquito control. Your best supporting material for your case would be to present as @DottieMinerva stated all the other agricultural/farming properties around you.

 

[aart]

Find out if it reduces the amount of chemicals that leach into your water. In my area they stop allowing residential areas to fertilize in an attempt to reduce chemicals.

That could open up the issue of chicken poop getting into the soil and run off.

I wouldn’t go as far as stating mosquito control.

Agrees.
@DottieMinerva How the heck do chickens reduce mosquito populations?