Just got an enforcement notice

[BrekanArts]

because they poop!

Yep. The same neighbor that forced me to get rid of my chickens, also pressured the home owners assocation to post "anti-ddog poop" signs in the common areas (which include fine print regarding the threat of citation if one is "seen failing to comply"). What sucks is one on the HOA board merely needs to "see" you. They are unquestioned officers of the law like the "constable" of yore.

All an HOA board member needs to SAY is that they SAW your dog (or any pet) pooping in a common area and your paying a fine. It's modern day feudalism couched in socialism

 

[idachick]

So I am wondering what has happened...keep us updated. I am so hoping you do not have to get rid of your chickens.

 

[Priscilla Feathers]

The original poster has been caught up in the chicken controversy here in Chandler. The City of Chandler was considering a proposal to allow backyard chickens within the city limits. They've debated the issue since April, and just recently voted against it. I guess they decided to start enforcing their decision right away, just to make sure chicken owners and potential chicken owners remember that it's against city ordinances.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/...-against-allowing-chickens-neighborhoods.html

There were just more people who disliked the idea of chickens then there were people who wanted them I suppose. People are simply ignorant of what chickens are actually like and think that a few hens next door will be like having an egg factory moving into the neighborhood. It may take a few more years of education to convince them otherwise.

In the meantime, all we can do is vote against the members of the council who were against allowing chickens in the next election. I know Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and Councilman Jeff Weninger were opposed, I haven't yet collected the names of the others.

In the meantime, Katelee, my brother lives in a county island on agriculture land. He keeps a large flock of chickens and would likely take your hens if you can't find them another home. If they are spoiled pets (as he would call them) it might not be the best placement in the world. They would be fed and sheltered, and allowed free range, but their chickens aren't pets -- they are farm chickens. If you want them in a pet type of placement, I could ask around the neighbors in his area, see if any of them would like some pet chickens. Drop me a note at [email protected] if you would like to talk about possibilities.

 

[chickortreat]

I still say a few minutes of whack-a-mole and the nosy, good-for-nothing busybodies that cause all this trouble would find better entertainment than bothering chicken owners. If only the past couple of generations had not lain down where our founders stood and fought. Just how much is freedom worth? We can spend trillions of dollars going across the big pond and "fighting" to free other countries/societies, while our own freedom goes to hell in a hand-basket right before our eyes (and at OUR expense).

 

[4 the Birds]

So we have had chickens for 3 years no problems. Today I received an enforcement notice that the keeping of poultry or fowl is prohibited unless the poultry or fowl are accessory uses to a permitted agricultural use.

What does that mean? I know that my neighbors are fine, they all eat our eggs for free and bring the girls treats. My daughters are devastated. I am a mess. We have chickens and ducks but the enforcement notices only says chickens. We have 7 days.

Any help is appreciated.

I would call the agency or issuer of the notice to have them clarify and find out the origin of the notice. "A permitted agricultural use" is typically land that is zoned AG and not residential. Typically notices like these come from a nearby neighbor(s) filing or calling in a complaint. Unfortunately, you don't have much of leg to stand on if your local jurisdiction wants to pursue the matter and you are not complying with the local laws. A fine could follow this notice. Sorry....

 

[KFCCHICKENUTAH]

I dont show a specific ordinance for my location. Maybe someone else knows it. I live in Kearns Utah 84118. I do show one for West Valley which is ridiuculous. 8 chickens, 10k sq ft lot, Permit fee of 30.00 and 27.00 for the chickens. They have to be 25 ft from the neighbors homes and their coop has to be 2 sq ft per chicken. No outside the coop chicken runs. I think Ill take my chances.

4 chickens-3.00 each=12.00
coop- 318.00
food bowls, heat lamps- 15.00
chick feed 2x15.00=30.00
hay=10.00
layer feed 2x20.00=40.00
Total 425.00
One time permit fee 30.00
8 chicken fee 27.00
Total 482.00

Thats 117.50 per chicken. Thats some expensive eggs.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: A number of cities/towns in the Phoenix area have residential agriculture zoning. (My understanding is that the OP is in Chandler, a Phoenix suburb, and it does indeed have a residential Agriculture zone. Not sure if the OP is in that zone. Local zoning codes list permitted uses for each zoning district. As far as rehoming your birds, try posting in the Arizona thread.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I dont show a specific ordinance for my location. Maybe someone else knows it. I live in Kearns Utah 84118. I do show one for West Valley which is ridiuculous. 8 chickens, 10k sq ft lot, Permit fee of 30.00 and 27.00 for the chickens. They have to be 25 ft from the neighbors homes and their coop has to be 2 sq ft per chicken. No outside the coop chicken runs. I think Ill take my chances.

4 chickens-3.00 each=12.00
coop- 318.00
food bowls, heat lamps- 15.00
chick feed 2x15.00=30.00
hay=10.00
layer feed 2x20.00=40.00
Total 425.00
One time permit fee 30.00
8 chicken fee 27.00
Total 482.00

Thats 117.50 per chicken. Thats some expensive eggs.

Setup costs will cost you the same regardless, so shouldn't really be part of the equation. Also, feed costs are no-going, not a one time expense, and depending on the breed, they can start layign earlier or later, lay many or few eggs and will lay for many years. If they lay 200 eggs a piece during their first year, with 4 chickens, that is 800 eggs, or about 67 dozen. Even if you do use your full total of 482, that is about $7 per dozen, expensive, but you are including a lot of one time capital expenses in the cost that should properly be amortisized over several years.. If you ignore the capital costs, your eggs will cost significantly less--just the cost of their feed and any other supplies you need.

 

[KFCCHICKENUTAH]

Right, I was just trying to show the expense that Ive already undertook and am still undertaking to care for the chickens. I think its ridiculous that the state would charge that much for chickens that do nothing other than provide food, fertilizer and fun. You wonder why kids nowadays dont know how to do anything. You have to have a permit for everything and somebody will still have an issue with it.

 

[missypebble]

I am feeling the same anger, frustration with people who have a few good chickens and the neighbor(s) for some reasons, does things to tick you off. I have 3 sweet hens, never caused trouble to anyone, never annoys anyone,etc. They're kept indoor all day long and only let out an hour or less a day and my neighbor complained to the city. I've been trying to get the city ordinances change but it is a difficult and lengthy process as 98% of the city citizens do not know Anything about chickens. It's sad, and I feel devastated.

I hope things work out for you.