Oviedo FL Chickens Ordinance

[rc1234]

I am a total beginner, never raised chickens before, but wanting to have 3 hens for pets and egg purposes. Ive been researching coop/run designs and getting excited to get this adventure started. However, before starting, Im trying to understand local laws and the pain of HOA approval. Im trying to find a local city ordinance for Oviedo FL. I see the ordinance listed in this forum , but can't seem to find the ordinance listed at the official website. Does anyone know where I can find some sort of city ordinance for Oviedo FL pertaining to chickens?

 

[TheGeekySheep]

I don't blame you, I just looked and information is hard to locate regarding poultry in Oviedo. Here's what I came up with:

According to the BYC page, your lot must be zoned agricultural (A), but I'm not finding data to support that. Here is the zoning map for the city:

http://www.cityofoviedo.net/files/ZONING MAP -11-09-2011 3B.pdf

As you can see, not many "A" zones at all. And surprisingly, there is nothing in the city's municipal code regarding poultry or even livestock, the only thing under "ANIMALS" is about wild bird sanctuaries:

http://library.municode.com/HTML/14268/level3/PTIICOOR_CH10AN_ARTIINGE.html#TOPTITLE

In the city Zoning Ordinance there is a table showing the permitted uses for each zone, and there are two entries for "Agriculture":

"Agricultural Farming (excluding livestock)" is a permitted use of agriculture (A) and rural county estate (R-CE) zones.
"Agricultural Farming (including livestock, maximum 1 per acre)" is a special use (meaning you'd need a permit) for those zones too.

http://library.municode.com/HTML/14267/level1/ARTIVZODIRE.html#ARTIVZODIRE_S4.10PEUSSPEX

HOWEVER, this is how the zoning ordinance defines livestock:

"All animals of the equine, bovine, or swine class including, but not limited to goats, sheep, mules, horses, hogs, cattle and other grazing animals."

http://library.municode.com/HTML/14267/level1/ARTXVIIIBADEIN.html#TOPTITLE

Definitely doesn't sound like chickens! So all the being said, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to have chickens *anywhere* in the city. They aren't mentioned or prohibited anywhere in the municipal code or zoning ordinance. But if I were you, just to be safe, I would call the development office and be sure: 407-971-5775. Also check with them to see if your neighborhood has a subdivision covenant or HOA, but I think you would know about that since you'd have to either pay dues to the HOA or sign a covenant.

Good luck!!

 

[rc1234]

Thanks for the information GeekySheep! This was very helpful

Looks like the major barrier will be the HOA battle.

 

[SSTupperware]

They run wild in the down town so why not?

 

[owlminds]

I'd Love to Know what neighborhood in Oviedo. My husband and I are purchasing a home in Oviedo in Alafaya woods and We also want to raise hens. They have a H.O.A as well. Please let me know what your progress is..... I am also a Big Grow Food Not Lawns activist and will be going through those issues as well.

 

[Wednesday]

It will never fly with any HOA. Sorry.

 

[dawg53]

It will never fly with any HOA. Sorry.

x2

 

[oviedochick]

I'm in Twin Rivers neighborhood off Lockwood and the bylaws specifically states no poultry. I'm wondering two things
1) how would they know, assuming they are cooped in a fenced yard and your neighbors don't care and report you
2) do quail count as poultry ? I'm thinking I might look into raising quail instead of chickens....less noisy and not explicitly disallowed.

I've already talked to my neighbors on all sides and they don't seem to mind, especially since I've promised to share eggs

 

[Wednesday]

If someone reports you to your HOA or to Seminole county, then
you get busted. That's the only way. Give it a try, I'll eat your quail
or full sized chickens if you you get caught . I live right by UCF. Seriously.

 

[cynthiad]

I live near UCF too, but on the Red Bug/Tuscawilla area which technically is unincorporated Seminole County. I researched the chicken policies which are vague if not nonexistent. I did find this https://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=13774 in which Section 20.01. which defines poultry as a domestic animal and there were NO words in the code to the effect that you could not raise poultry or chicken in your backyard. But a quick call to zoning officials revealed that it is illegal in Seminole county unless you live in an agricultural zone. She did say however that if you have a HOA and they approve it, she thought but wasn't certain, that it would then be legal. Orlando is now allowing chickens and Orange County, Winter Park and Maitland are all looking at it too. Think it's time city and county officials realize that a few backyard chickens with required permit fees are more profitable and less nuisance than the lovable but noisy dogs and domestic birds that people are legally allowed to own. I'd rather live next door to a chicken farmer than noisy dogs. I do love dogs, just find the double standard odd.