im confused and frustrated!!

[mickeymousears]

That's assuming I KNOW when he's coming and he doesn't look over the neighbors fence before hand

 

[Doctim]

Fifty feet from any dwelling...

The coop needs to be 50' form your house and the neighbors' on each side AND the neighbors' behind you as well. Lots only 60' feet wide could present a challenge.

I was a Sanitarian/CEO in Texas. We were not to observe in a manner that could be interpreted as an invasion of privacy. Violations needed to be in plain sight and entrance to a property required permission or a search warrant except for emergencies. So no peeking through the fence or letting myself into your fenced yard or home. A good attorney can usually beat an unlawful search but frankly the fine is usually cheaper... much cheaper. Of course, right is right...

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Remember, it's distance to any dwelling not to property line. Your bound to have area that is within code in your yard. The concern is neighbors dwellings not your own. He sounded like a reasonable person and most likely wont fine you for being one rabbit over the 5 total of rabbit and poultry. He only stopped by due to complaints of your rooster and that code was 100 ft to dwellings and you informed him it was taken care of. Really nothing to worry about. Let him look at placement of your coop to see it's all in code and that leads to quick easy permit for over 5 critters as the town has already seen you've a clean and nice set up.

 

[lindseythefork]

I think you're freaking out over what was a routine knock-and-talk. He was obligated to stop and investigate a complaint, he seemed reasonable enough. Just keep everything clean and within code and you'll be fine. You will be much better off to adhere to regulations rather than hide anything.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

First, we'll assume you are in the city and fall under that code. Then let's ignore the rabbits as they are house pets. You have 4 poultry; you do not need a permit with that few. At least I do not see that in the city's code. If he insists, ask him to give you the exact section in the code.

If you can figure out the setbacks in your zoning, you can determine whether there is space available for a coop that is 50' from all houses. If you have to encroach. make it toward your own house. That said, you do not have to allow him into your yard. Simply tell him that the birds are within code, and politely ask him to leave. If he insists on seeing them, ask to see his search warrant.

 

[mickeymousears]

Oh see I interpreted the rule as not allowed ANY birds unless they are outside of 50 feet.

So the consensus is I can have 5? And yes ill just put the buns in another room and hell be none the wiser.

I'm assuming I'm in city limits- because he wouldn't have come otherwise. But I think the city/county line is just a few blocks over so I should figure that out.

And yes he was just doing his job-i wasn't angry at him personally I'm angry with the situation and on top of that I just lost my sweet rooster who I'd hand raised since he was 3 days old- he followed me around and let me pet him. So this whole thing is heartbreaking and stressful! (and it prob doesn't help that I'm pregnant/hormonal). But as far as the code enforcer he was cordial -i have no issues with him personally. My biggest concern is now were on the radar and this is going to be an ongoing problem and I really don't want to loose the girls- who literally jump in my lap like cats- or the ducks- who try to do the same thing but there isn't enough lap for them so the lay their heads on my legs so whatever I need to do to make this problem go away ASAP is what I would like to do (ie hide the birds and let him think I got rid of all. Or better yet show him I'm totally in compliance let him pet my birds and everyone is happy)

Thank you everyone for your support and input! Its extremely helpful to post an issue like this and get great advice- I honestly wouldn't even know where to start!!

 

[mickeymousears]

AND I hope whoever complained was just angry about the loud rooster and isn't going to be up my butt about every little sound that comes from this property!

 

[Talisman]

Don't worry be happy now oooooooooohooooooohooooooowa