Model or Ideal Chicken ordinance?

[nyCheesecake]

Does anyone have a suggestion or recommendation as to the ideal Chicken Ordinance?

obviously the ideal ordinance would have no restrictions what so ever, but I need a reasonable compromise for a suburban area (some farms nearby)

Thank you!!!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

My local ordinance (Oakland, CA) is pretty ideal IMO: no roosters allowed; no limit on hens; coop must be at least 20' from neighbor's houses.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/oakland-california-chicken-ordinance

 

[nyCheesecake]

Thanks! That is helpful.

I've seen some that have less restrictions on the distance between nearby houses/property lines, but then they limit the # of hens allowed. I guess there are trade offs.

Wish me luck!!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

There has to be some kind of sop to the neighbors I think, either distance or limits on numbers. Otherwise it's a hard sell. And of course all noise and nuisance laws still apply.

 

[greggles]

Thanks for the thoughts on this topic. I'm also curious about what an "ideal" code might look like as well.

As a proposal, how about:

• 8 hens are allowed, with another allowed for every 1,000 square feet of land above the minimum lot size.
• Coop no less than 15 feet from a main building on neighbor's property
• Coop no less than 5 feet from the property line unless the neighbor has given permission in writing.
• At least 4 square feet enclosed space per bird
• At least 10 square feet of space in an outdoor run per bird
• No permit required, no fee required.
• Animal slaughter is allowed as long as it is performed by an experienced individual who properly disposes of all waste.
• Manure must be managed on a weekly basis (though it can be composted or moved off the property)
• Coop/run location can be anywhere on property that is sufficiently protected from predators.
• 1 rooster is allowed, although it cannot make noises beyond what the city considers a nuisance.
• Heating lamps are not allowed (since they are a common cause of fire, people can either go without or use a panel)

Are there other elements to consider? Does anyone have a favorite code?