Officer (Leskin) Well I swear this is never ending post 306

[luvs2garden2000]

Quote:
I can see that busy body next door calling the sheriff just irate saying, I thought she couldnt have chickens any more there she went and got a rooster now. Cops show up and go to looking for them cant find them. Then as soon as they leave play it again, she calls again. Get the point, they will eventually think the woman has left reality.

 

[Holly O]

Quote:
I love it

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
I can see that busy body next door calling the sheriff just irate saying, I thought she couldnt have chickens any more there she went and got a rooster now. Cops show up and go to looking for them cant find them. Then as soon as they leave play it again, she calls again. Get the point, they will eventually think the woman has left reality.

That is exactly what I suggested to my friend, Lynn, when the neighbor was trying to make her get rid of her legal rooster. I'd do it, oh, yeah, I sure would!

 

[chicknjane]

My husband and I are also in Schuylkill County (Pine Grove Township) and are both in the legal profession. Unfortunately, Blythe Township does not post their zoning maps or ordinances online, so I can't be much help specifically. Don't expect the police to know the laws outside, nuisance and crimes code. Don't rely on a verbal 'okay' from your Zoning Officer either.

Determine what you're zoned for. If you are in a populated area, with more homes than land, chances are you are in an area zoned Residential. If that is the case, there is a chance that zoning ordinances do not provide for poultry or livestock on your property. If your neighbors are cows(and I mean literally, not figuratively), then changes are good that you're zoned farm/agriculture and you could have chickens, cows, goats, pigs, horses, whatever you'd like. Unless of course, poultry is specifically excluded by ordinance.

You can find what your property is zoned for out at your township office or by searching the schuylkill county parcel viewer for your address and look at the CAMA which will show how your property is zoned.

Finding the zoning ordinances may be difficult, townships are supposed to file them with the county law library so that there is a public access for them, however, many townships don't do that and keep them on file at the township building.

Get a copy of the ordinance that shows you are allowed poultry/livestock for yourself and for the officer next time he comes a knocking or save him a trip and take it to them preemptively.

As far as the nosy neighbor goes, give her a warning that you will not tolerate her trespassing and that you will call the police on her next time she trespasses. I think I read somewhere where someone suggested putting up a videocamera. That's fine if you keep it to your property and post a sign that your property is under video surveillence. You don't want to get in trouble for videotaping someone without their permission (Its a crime).

I've had trouble with one of our neighbors, but there is nothing he can do, we're zoned agricultural preservation.

Good luck.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

A sign saying "This property is protected by surveillance" should cover you for video or still cameras, voice recorders or even just plain old keeping an eye on things.

 

[Holly O]

Well today we went before the zoning board. And achieved not a lot of anything. We are allowed to keep our pet Duck and our 2 polish chickens. Mainly inside the house.

We ask what it is we are to do, and no one is able to give us an answer. Or if they do it's not Correct. These our our Pubic Service people.

My husband will be calling the District attorneys office, and I'll be calling the State attorney General. The officials all need to be investigated of their actions, and lack of knowledge.

Tonight they said we are to apply for a variance. What we are Varying is unclear, as their is no wording in the ordinance that would be clear to vary.
Yet no one is understanding this issue. We are to spend $500 on advertisement, and for their lawye, as well as our own, also a $250 for the hearing.

I have one neighbor complaining about My compost bins now (a whole new Neighbor). Saying it's a pile of Garbage! He isn't even Knowledgeable of what a compost bin is or what it is for.

I want to scream and stomp and Pull my hair out. This is INSANITY!

 

[19hhbelgian]

People just don't know when to quit! I'm so sorry to hear that! Hopefully the DA will set these buffoons straight! It doesn't sound like they know what is going on and have no right to tell you that a variance is needed. I am SO extremely frustrated for you right now

I really don't understand people any more. That rooster recording outside is starting to sound really good

Keeping my hopes up for you getting some where with the DA!!

 

[wombat]

I have one neighbor complaining about My compost bins now (a whole new Neighbor). Saying it's a pile of Garbage! He isn't even Knowledgeable of what a compost bin is or what it is for.

Try barrel composters, ours work well, though 2 are not enough to keep up with everything we want to compost so we use a pile as well.​

 

[wombat]

Tonight they said we are to apply for a variance.

I'd get them to show what ordinance you are violating and need a variance for!​

 

[danielle82]

Wow, I'm so sorry. This si a frustrating situation and I have nothing helpful to offer, but I am sorry for your situation. It sounds like you are surrounded by anti-chicken (and compost) people.