Need some advice ASAP

[spaceapple]

I posted about this a while ago, but didn't get many responses. Time is running out and I really need some help!

In a nutshell, I live in a condo building with a backyard big enough to keep a few chickens. I have the city's go-ahead pending the approval of the condo owner. The problem is, the developer that owns our building is several hours away in another city and doesn't seem to care much about our problems, only getting our money. Although most of the people who live here rent, our contact person at the developer told me that we would have to buy our unit before we could discuss chickens any further. (The units haven't sold very well...see where this is going?)

I responded with what I feel was a polite but strong email arguing my case. That was 3 weeks ago, and I still haven't heard back. Our contact guy has a history of being sort of a flake, but I cant help but think that he's ignoring me. I am not going to to give up that easily, but I don't know what I should do next! Please help!

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Well, sounds like they're not really interested in what the renters want. What it sounds like to me is that they won't allow it even if you were an owner. I think they 'd tell you no because they have units to sell and they would be afraid that buyers might be put off by chickens next door. It's hard enough when you're a home owner with property. Plenty of people here with neighbors that complain about noise, smell, flies...you name it. It doesn't look good for you. I'd look for another place to rent, one with an agreeable landlord that will okay you having chickens and be willing to put it in writing BEFORE you sign a lease.

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
I totally agree with Knock Kneed Hen. I would get the heck outta Dodge and find a place where I could have my chickens without any issues.

 

[calista]

Although I don't normally advocate "stealth" chicken-keeping, you might consider the old saying in your case:

'TIS BETTER TO BEG FOR FORGIVENESS THAN TO ASK FOR PERMISSION.

Since your city has already given conditional permission and it appears you are being ignored by the other party, this approach may bring the matter to a head and get you a response. I'd make sure I had a country friend willing to take in my birds if you lose the fight.

I'd also use local publicity through my newspaper, radio station, and Facebook page to make my argument in favor and be willing to demonstrate that you would be a responsible backyard poultry owner.

If all else fails, I agree with the other posters that your interests would best be served with moving. Good luck!

 

[spaceapple]

Thanks everyone for your input so far! Quite frankly, the developer would never know if I was keeping hens here. But the city cannot issue me a permit without their consent, and I don't think I'm ready for stealth chickens... We really like our condo and don't want to move if we don't have to. Can anyone suggest how I might sway the developer to my side? I was thinking of getting a petition going so I'd have support from the other people who live here. Would something like that be effective?

 

[PaulaSB12]

HOw about finding out how many people in the area want to keep chickens. Then find which hoa's don't allow them and point out all these people who do want them are more likely to buy from an accomodating hoa.

 

[mamabahre]

Quote:
I would think it might help if everyone directly affected (hearing/smelling distance of chickens) acknowledged they were ok with it!
I guess in my head though the idea of having chickens at a condo doesn't seem like a great idea. If I lived in a condo I don't think I'd be terribly thrilled about my neighbor having chickens, it is just really different from even renting a house and I can understand why the owner wouldn't want chickens around....

 

[Sore Thumb Suburbanite]

Quote:
I live by that phrase. I am getting chickens and I'm pretty sure its not permissable, but I still can't find the smoking gun in my zoning info, and I have stopped searching.
I am getting really quiet chickens-black australorps-and I'm installing a small fountain and waterfeature to masque any sound. I don't think my neighbors will really care, I don't complain about their crazy issues and sometimes they give me oranges from their tree and I buy things from their kids.
Bank on having decent neighbors, cozy up to them from day one, any neighbor who's property line is near yours. Bring beautifully wrapped moving-in gift baked goods, and later- a basket of baked goods on holidays-people are suckers and when your nice first its a hard act not to follow in kind. Keep your coop tidy and your hens happy---don't even talk to the developers-they could really care less about your issues, they have problems of their own. You can do it, the worst that can happen is you'd have cute chickens and cheap eggs for a while.