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Many areas here are doing the same thing. Having restrictions shows that you are being reasonable and want to be a good neighbor and will limit complaints--you can work on allowing more later as they have done in Portland, Oregon. Portland currently allows 3 hens and no roosters. You can have more hens if you have an inspection and get a permit. I live in the unincorporated county right next to Portland and we can do anything even though its a developed suburb. My hubby and I will not have a rooster as neighbors can complain if its too noisy.
so already you are limiting yourself because neighbors "can" complain.... what if they dont mind a rooster? Or get used to it.... One of my neighbors loves the sound, another says it doesnt bother him at all, he's up at the crack of dawn himself. Yes, we should be considerate of our neighbors but not OVERLY considerate to the point that you infringe on your own rights. Maybe you find a way to make your rooster not as loud. Bring him in the garage or the basement if he's too loud in the yard in the coop (I think rooster crowing issues should only be addressed regarding early morning crowing) Example, My mother will put herself out for a neighbor! The fella next door to her is really particular about his yard, probably just enjoys being out in it, but whenever he does his leaves in the yard she feels compelled - no, make that OBLIGATED to go out and do her leaves so they don't blow over on his yard. I mean thats thoughtful and all but jeez! If its convenient and "fun" for him, thats fine. But don't stress over it if its not convenient for you! (ok, guess I am on a guilt trip cause I couldnt go help my mom due to my recent cold bronchitis crap.)
ok, what happens when neighbors dont mind, but there is a law passed that everyone is gung ho on that limits the number of chickens. Some random cop is going to drive by and write me up? lol. I guess just because there is a law written up doesnt mean they go around and enforce it. Oh, except the seatbelt and helmet laws... my bf has gotten harrassed quite a few times with seatbelt violations, I've had a couple too. That law shoulda been written differently. I didnt appreciate getting a seatbelt ticket in a development where the speed was 25 mph....
Forgive me for beating a dead horse (ewww I hate that phrase) but someone else said it much better than I. Just want us all to be careful and cautious in our legal endevors....
Sonoran Silkies wrote:
First you need to read the rules of construction for your zon ing ordinance. MANY cities have a statement that says that unless a use is specifically allowed, it is NOT allowed. If that clase isn't there, and there are no other ordinances pertaining to animals that would place limits, then they are allowed. Period. Getting a writtten ordinance to allow a specified number of birds and placing restrictions would actually TAKE AWAY current rights. Not something I would subscribe to.
oops emily, not criticising your situation per se, just a heads up to others reading this or following your noble lead. thanks again for understanding my input to your post. I believe you CAN make a difference. ETA: humbly, I'm not even sure first hand what my laws state but need to find out. And make use of any loopholes or ABSENCE of laws that there are. Definately, if there are no laws against chickens in one's area, I certainly wouldn't go about trying to GET one.
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You can identify the areas where other ordinances apply and mention in the code that chickens are also subject to all other nuisance and animal control laws, including, but not limited to [name the particular ordinances]. That reduces the redundancies, but does define some limits, and will appease many people who are concerned and don;t realize that there are already some controls.
would my pond fish be illegal then? lol I have nine. sheesh maybe I'm not even allowed to have a pond! I must educate myself... oh what the hell. I still don't wear my seatbelt.
proud to be an outlaw one way or another.
but i suppose that's not affecting the general public. unless of course i go flying thru my windshield and end up in their front seat. lol. sorry not funny.
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I have to kind of agree. If you are a family of 6, I'm not sure 4 hens will be enough; 10 is a good number for me and we're only 4. I can understand the rule about no rooster. We live on 2 acres and I cringe everytime the darn thing crows during the night, which appears to be more and more and at odd times. My DD did finally catch him but the family (me excluded) decided the girls really did care for him after all and let him go. I could tell more but I'll spare ya'll.
I clicked and was #192.
Has anyone seen the movie, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl? Great family movie with chickens in it, well sort of. Briefly, you see some chickens and a girl on a scooter with eggs. They do talk about the chickens in several different scenes. There's a lesson in the end. Everytime I read a story about someone wanting to change the laws, so they can have chickens, I'm reminded of the movie.