oklahoma city zoning - busted for my chickens!

[dcady]

Unfortunately, roos also disturb the neighbors who did NOT turn you in.

 

[okierebel]

Hi, I know this is old but i'm new to Byc and about to get some hens. I've built a tractor and will prob not have more than 4.
Haleyluna , can you give me an update? I've been called in on by neighbors before for stupid things so I can see a possible problem here.

 

[Lisaa]

Hi - I'm also in Oklahoma City and have become interested in joining up with any group working to get our ordinance changed to allow hens in urban/suburban neighborhoods. If anyone in the metro area has any information I'd love to hear from you.

 

[oktx]

I don't know of any group working currently to change this but try to contact Green Oklahoma on facebook or the group OKC Chickens on facebook. Currently the only councilman in favor of chickens is Ed Shadid but I live in Ward 1 and I'm happy, no OVERJOYED, to say that our new councilman will replace the ignorant, biased jerk Gary Marrs, who called me "an idiot" for wanting to keep backyard chickens.

 

[oktx]

Well, I live in OKC and as far as I know nothing's changed. We are still not allowed to have chickens if you have less than an acre lot. This is one reason that I've opted to raise quail since they are allowed (or rather, not specifically prohibited) under current ordinances.

However, I am given to understand that the great Chicken Whisperer himself will be coming to OKC sometime in early 2013 to help us fight the fight so let's all cross our wings and hope that it works out.

I've grown quite fond of quail raising in the meantime.

PS: I now have 2 "secret" hens in my backyard. Don't tell the chicken cops.

I mean really... the city has real issues to deal with. I'd hardly think keeping a few hens in someone's backyard for eggs was its biggest concern. For the record, I have a friend whose husband is a state trooper and they have MANY hens in their backyard and live within the city. They aren't the only ones in their neighborhood either.

 

[oktx]

Unfortunately, roos also disturb the neighbors who did NOT turn you in.

Way to post and run, dcady. For the record, my neighbor's dog that he leaves out 24/7/365 is much noisier and annoying than my two little hens could ever be, yet no one's clamoring to ban that.

 

[BOYBLUE74]

I live in Edmond and I did not know that they allowed chickens. Can you tell me about the regulations for Edmond and Mid-West city?

 

[BOYBLUE74]

Does anyone know if the same regulations apply to ducks?

 

[Lisaa]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'm happy that there is local interest out there. My guess is that more and more people just quietly keep their hens and they don't have any problems. Actually, I know of a few people who do this. However, I'd just feel more comfortable doing it legally. From the reading I've been doing online, it appears that some pro-hen advocates spoke at a city council meeting three or so years ago but weren't very well received. Maybe, now that we have some new, progressive council members (including Ed Shadid, who happens to be in my ward!) there would be a better chance at getting a pro-hen ordinance passed.

I've been asking my immediate neighbors what they think and so far all have been very receptive - a few would like to have their own hens, as well.

I do think the OKC ordinance is worded to prohibit ducks, too - I read the ordinance here, but I haven't been able to find it in city's municipal codes. I don't know about Edmond's or MWC's ordinances. Most city websites have searchable ordinances and maybe that could tell you something.

Here's what I'm already planning to do - email or call Dr. Shadid today, and attend Tuesday's city council meeting (they meet every Tuesday) just to get a feel for who the council members are and how the meetings are run. In the near future, maybe we can drum up enough support to have a showing of citizens at a future meeting.

I'll look into Green Oklahoma. The OKC Neighborhood Alliance also recommended I check with SustainableOKC, a city office. I've got a call in to them.

 

[Lisaa]

I just now looked it up.... Edmond doesn't allow chickens in non-agricultural areas.