It's pretty simple to draft a common sense chicken ordinance. Our small town sets limits on flock size and specifies heathy sq footage requirements. Other than that, it's the same as having a cat or dog; and I don't think a chicken has ever sent a child to the ER.
Having a law banning chickens, anywhere is just plain backwards. Chickens are much cleaner and well cared for than any wild bird(s) that frequent every yard. The only time I can see having a ban would be on someone who has no yard, like an apartment. The rest of us should be free to keep them. There are more important issues for government to deal with. If something becomes a problem like excessive waste and smell or the excessive noise of a rooster, that can be dealt with like any issue violating sanitation or noise. Chickens are good for the environment, since they reduce the need for chemicals for pesticides and also provide natural fertilizer. They also allow us to have fresh natural eggs that have a reduction effect on our families carbon footprint since they are not being trucked in to us. I know I am preaching to the choir here, but those who are not aware in your local gov, they should be made aware of these benefits. Anyway include me in your list of supporters, and good luck!
The animal control guy told me that we had ordinances against chickens in city limits. I asked him to email me a copy. This was about a month ago. I had researched it and found non when I was thinking about getting them.
He sent this email to me the other day "There is no ordinance in the city of Billings that prohibits people from having pet chickens. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 657-8226.
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Actually, you should be careful, the animal control guy didn't give you all the info:
Sec 27-607 - Livestock, as defined in BMCC section 27-201, shall not be maintained in any zoning district located within the limits of the city (see also BMCC sections 4-501 through 4-505). Outside city limits, or in commercial and industrial zones under 2.5 acres, are allowed 1 livestock unit per 20,000 sq ft, and each hen, rooster, duck count as .25 live stock unit. A goose or turkey count as .5 l.u. each.
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here chickenwoman...this might be what you are looking for?
Hope this helps....I think everyone should be able to have chickens, and as many as they can keep safely, healthy, and of course HAPPY!
Incidentally, I'm compiling a detailed list of North American cities, and their pro and con chicken bylaws (including the bylaw or code # and a website linking to that code). I'd love help from anyone here!!!!