Need coop to fit town laws

[Alyx01]

Actually, how realistic is it that someone from the town would come and measure everything? I have to apply for a building permit to build a coop, do they usually require a building plan? I’ll probably just make it bigger than what they allow

 

[X_and_Z]

Do you know who I would contact in my town about the chicken laws? Also I guess I’m kind of confused about the square footage per chicken. If I open the coop door every morning to let them in the run, do they still need a large amount of space per bird? I thought it was 2sq/ft per bird

The minimums are 4 sqft per bird in the coop and 10 sqft per bird in the run - more is always better and some chickens/breeds of chickens require more space because they just don't handle confinement well. This is why everyone is mentioning only 2 birds can be kept in the rules your city allows. 2 sqft per bird is way too little.

As for who to contact - you might want to start with your city's planning/permitting department.

 

[X_and_Z]

Actually, how realistic is it that someone from the town would come and measure everything? I have to apply for a building permit to build a coop, do they usually require a building plan? I’ll probably just make it bigger than what they allow

Do you have a link to your city's chicken ordinances? Most cities allow small structures (like garden sheds less than a certain size) to be erected without building permits. If they do require a permit, they may require inspections. It would be worth contacting your city's permitting department before you make any solid plans.

 

[NixSix]

is your yard secure enough to allow free ranging during the day? then maybe you can get more than 2 or possibly think about getting Bantams.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You know...... It occurs to me that some towns don't REALLY want to allow chickens so they make ridiculous requirements.
Things like coop space to small to actually allow enjoying having birds.
Coops that have to be 50' from neighboring property lines.
Permits for coops, inspections etc etc etc.

It can get overwhelming.

My best advice is know the laws, function within the laws or work to change the laws.

Trying to pull a fast one tends to have the ones against keeping chickens saying "I told you so!".

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What is your climate OP? Are there specific rules regarding what the structure can be made of? Depending on your climate and the regulations I'm thinking that a hoop coupe of sorts maybe able to stay within the size limitations but still provide a better total living experience for the Burt's you do keep. There are a lot of different ways to configure a hoop coupe that would really work around the traditional separate co-op and front area and allow you to make the most of the total amount of space you're allowed to have for the birds. It still would not be optimal, but it would be much preferable to the space allotments described above or those allotted in the prefab units. It also may be that the ordinances were not written so much with malice or intent to deter chicken keeping but out of ignorance such as we see here every day with relation to the prefab units and the amount of space that they allow for birds. If the person's on the council writing the ordinance were not experienced with poultry keeping they would be like any new chicken keeper and prone to think that the amount of space allowed by those little units is what a chicken really needs. This may in fact as noted above be an opportunity for you to offer an educational response to the ordinance regarding the actual needs of chickens in an effort to encourage change for the well being of the animals. Or you can make the best of the regulations as they are by trying creative ways to build with the in the restrictions and still allow the most for your flock

 

[PirateGirl]

Actually, how realistic is it that someone from the town would come and measure everything? I have to apply for a building permit to build a coop, do they usually require a building plan? I’ll probably just make it bigger than what they allow

Speaking from my experience in construction management. A building permit will be required for a structure over a certain size. Often this size is 10ftx10ft, but it can vary, so check with your town building department. Often smaller structures, dog house, small shed, etc. do not require a building permit. If you are pulling a building permit you will need to submit a building plan to the town in order for them to issue a permit, and yes a site visit is required. If you are running water, electrical, and/or heating/cooling to the structure a permit will be required regardless of structure size. Once a permit is pulled, a final inspection will be required by the town building department to issue a CO; your the town building department will guide you through this part. For example plumbing would need to be inspected before walls are closed up, not at the end of the entire construction project. Inspections may need to be scheduled a certain day of week, etc.

A permit to keep chickens is separate from a building permit and would still be governed by the town, but a different department. In my town there are requirements in terms of the coop/structure, but this was separate to the building department and tied with animal control instead. My town had requirements for the coop that it must be x number of feet back from neighbors' property line, fully fenced, provide adequate/humane shelter from the elements for the number of birds. An animal control officer stopped by the property to view the coop/run before the chicken permit was issued, much easier and less formal than a building permit.

 

[PirateGirl]

Oh, one more thing. Some towns have building code in regards to what type of fence you can/can't have. Be sure to ask the building department this too. For example in my town I am allowed a wood fence or a chain link or standard wire fence but I am not allowed electric fence or razor wire. Some ordinances are more specific as to the type of fence because they want the town to look a certain way and have all fences be similar, other towns have no rules regarding fencing at all.

 

[Alyx01]

I’ve attached my towns laws regarding chickens

 

[Alyx01]

What is your climate OP? Are there specific rules regarding what the structure can be made of? Depending on your climate and the regulations I'm thinking that a hoop coupe of sorts maybe able to stay within the size limitations but still provide a better total living experience for the Burt's you do keep.

I live in Upstate NY