need some words of wisdom

[Martinino]

Ok, I have contacted Pasco County on having chickens. Unfortunately all I get is half answers. I'm being told that in my sub-division or any place in Pasco, free chickens are allowed. So, question number 1. What is the legal meaning of a free chicken? I'm understanding roaming around in the yard. Now the chicken coop is worse. I can't have a structure? so the chickens are housed ? not trying to sound stupid but this process is very upsetting because you get round about answers and never the same response. Lastly I was told to visit the county website for more answers but that just as bad, broken down into sub-divisions with no real answers. I feel Pasco is avoiding the issue, the area i live in is both residential and agricultural. I'm considering asking the State.

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

You should ask the state if you really want to be legal. Otherwise, I would suggest getting a few hens anyway and keep them in an unobtrusive coop with a small run as far away from your neighbors’ houses as you can manage. I know some people who keep hens illegally, but they’ve never had any trouble. If they don’t smell, don’t make noise, and don’t run around loose there shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[SueT]

Go to the planning dept. in person and ask to talk to someone in charge. If you are in the city go to city planning, if in the county, there is a similar office. If someone says you are allowed to have chickens, get it in writing!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You need to start at the smallest level - your subdivision, if there's an HOA or other governing board, then work up to city and then county. I don't know who has jurisdiction over your lot but that's what you need to figure out first.

If you only have to answer to county, look up and link the county pages regarding animals as well as zoning for additional structures.

 

[Martinino]

Go to the planning dept. in person and ask to talk to someone in charge. If you are in the city go to city planning, if in the county, there is a similar office. If someone says you are allowed to have chickens, get it in writing!

Great advise. Yes I did get an e-mail with, "In Pasco you can have free chickens". Thanks again.

 

[Martinino]

You need to start at the smallest level - your subdivision, if there's an HOA or other governing board, then work up to city and then county. I don't know who has jurisdiction over your lot but that's what you need to figure out first.

If you only have to answer to county, look up and link the county pages regarding animals as well as zoning for additional structures.

Thank you for your response. The governing board is the HOA and CDD. I was told by other homeowners don't even try, because the response will be, "No" since the sub-division is still under development and the homebuilder legally still controls the board. They just want to sell homes. Pasco County, Fl has issued me a written response saying any place in Pasco Co, one can have, "free chickens". I would have liked a more firm policy in place, but I guess they don't want to upset the homebuilders lobbyist. Thanks again

 

[Kiki]

Thank you for your response. The governing board is the HOA and CDD. I was told by other homeowners don't even try, because the response will be, "No" since the sub-division is still under development and the homebuilder legally still controls the board. They just want to sell homes. Pasco County, Fl has issued me a written response saying any place in Pasco Co, one can have, "free chickens". I would have liked a more firm policy in place, but I guess they don't want to upset the homebuilders lobbyist. Thanks again

If you are in an HOA it makes no difference what the city told you...it's what the HOA says.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you are in an HOA it makes no difference what the city told you...it's what the HOA says.

This is the unfortunate reality of living with an HOA or similar board. Their rules trump the city's, county's, etc. Even if the city tells you it's completely fine, and you're surrounded by other homes/neighborhoods outside the HOA that have chickens, you're under the HOA's restrictions.

 

[Mtnboomer]

So HOA is first. If no problems there, read through zoning ordinances. It will tell you what is allowed in your specific zone (subdivisions are usually in like an R3 or R4 depending on size of the lot (density)).
You should find the definition of "structure" which typically refers to anything permanent. I would guess that "free" is free on your property.
So boundary fence on property line and a non-anchored coop should have you in the clear.
Sometimes its better to ask for forgiveness than permission.