Is a variance possible?

[ChlorophyllChick]

Well it turns out we are in violation of a village ordinance that can't be found online preventing poultry within the village limits. The village is really tiny (1.7 square miles) and surrounded by farms, we often get cow manure smell when the wind is right. We are right on the village line besides. When we bought the house we had to sign something acknowledging that we live in an agricultural district and everything that goes with that. We researched and could not find any laws preventing chickens so we are very upset to learn now that they are not allowed. We raised our hens by hand from baby chicks and are quite attached.

Anyway, I contacted the code enforcement officer that gave us the notice of violation about the possibility of obtaining a variance. He is on vacation until next week when he said he will check on this, but he doesn't think we can request a variance because it is not a zoning regulation, but a village ordinance. We need to get this figured out immediately though because we only have a week before the chickens are supposed to be gone according to the violation. Does anyone know more about variances who can help us? We are not really sure what to do at this point, it looks like we are going to lose our chickens and we are pretty upset.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I hope you are able to keep them.



I know nothing about this type of stuff, but double check your property - to be 100% sure that all of it falls under the same rules. We once had a place that part could be used for critters and part could not - due to how the property lines/rules/regs were.



Good Luck.

 

[HenPenny]

I think you should be able to apply for the variance. If there is a difference in the viilage laws why is code enforcement involved at all. So file one and make an appointment to speak your cause and case at the next meeting. Don't give up until you try Good Luck.