Ordinace Issue, PLEASE HELP

[mharden03]

I am filling out the permit paperwork and there is an ordinance stating that chickens must be 25 feet from EACH dwelling. I can easily keep the coop and run away from my neighbors' homes by that footage, but I would HAVE to put the coop up against my house (which I was hoping to do anyway in order to keep them more comfortable in the winter).
I have to provide a detailed plot plan with the permit paperwork. I intend to be honest in my renditions for our property and coop/run plans, so I was hoping one of you might be able to point me toward some literature on the benefits of keeping a coop close to the house? Or should I just write up my own feelings on the matter (it's close to our outdoor power source, the dryer vent will help keep them warm, etc)?

 

[mharden03]

They requested a detailed plot plan, which I'm providing from their own database. It doesn't have precise measurements, so I may just wing it (pun intended) and see what they say.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm assuming by 25 ft from each dwelling that includes your own - you really need to check if that's the intent and adjust your application accordingly or I'm guessing they'll reject it outright.

IMO there is no benefit having the coop close to your house, with noise and smell being possible concerns as well as potential pest issues. The only really good thing about having the coop closer is that you can keep a better eye on the chickens. Also putting a coop near dryer vents would not be good for chickens - the moisture and fragrances from dryer treatments isn't healthy for them.

 

[mharden03]

I'm assuming by 25 ft from each dwelling that includes your own - you really need to check if that's the intent and adjust your application accordingly or I'm guessing they'll reject it outright.

IMO there is no benefit having the coop close to your house, with noise and smell being possible concerns as well as potential pest issues.  The only really good thing about having the coop closer is that you can keep a better eye on the chickens.  Also putting a coop near dryer vents would not be good for chickens - the moisture and fragrances from dryer treatments isn't healthy for them.

We don't use anything with fragrances (sons have skin issues), but I see what you mean with the moisture and such.

Ugh... so this may not happen after all. :-(

 

[~KH~]

I'd double check if the ordinance specifies only being 25ft away from neighboring dwellings and not your own. When I first read the ordinances where I live, I thought the 35ft away from houses meant all of them, including my own, but upon further looking into it, it's only neighboring houses.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, do double check and if you have any questions see if you can talk to someone in the zoning department for the city/county where you're at for clarification. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet, I just wanted to make sure you understood that having a coop right up against the house really isn't beneficial but if that's allowed where you're at and is the only place you can put it, I'm sure you can find a way to make it work.

 

[mharden03]

Thank you all so much for your input and help! I filled out the paperwork and talked to the guy at the zoning office about the 25 foot rule. It *is* for all dwellings, but he told me to draw up a plot plan and turn it in anyway. They provided a variance for us and we can have it up against the house! What's even better, is we can have a mobile, enclosed run that will be in violation of the "10 feet from property lines" rule during the day, but it's fine as long as I have them back in the stationary run before dark!

We're approved! I can have chickens!!!

I went to the farm and feed store to price what we'd need in order to budget. I left with six chicks, bedding, and food for them. It was a total out-of-body experience! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[PirateGirl]

Congrats! I was so happy when my official permit finally came through last week. Especially since I already heard rumor that a neighbor was questioning whether we were even allowed chickens. In my town I guess the permit and coop is no joke and they actually came to my house to check out my enclosure while I was at work.

 

[~KH~]

Congrats!! I'm glad everything worked out!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Congrats, I'm glad you stuck with it and were able to work with zoning to find a solution!