pittsfield, ma chicken permit denied help

[bblynn]

I live in Pittsfield, MA. I applied for a chicken permit. I was told by a city employee that it was no possibility for me to be denied as long as I complied with the 2 pages of guidelines. which I exceeded compliance. I was also told it was safe to purchase the coop and electric fencing and all supplies. which I did. I was ready for the chickens which I have been raising since april 2 to be able to put them outside in the coop. I went May 22 and was denied. because 4 of my neighbors went and one had a lawyer to say that it would negatively effect the value of the houses and that the deed restrictions prevent it. but the house I live in does have the deed restrictions but I own the 5 acres in back and that doesn't have any restrictions on it. the coop is not seen from the my own house never mind the neighbors, no one would have even know I had chickens except I had to get a permit and they were notified. what is my recourse? any suggestion. I figure I will have to hire a lawyer but any information that you can share to minimize his time and my cost would be helpful.

 

[realsis]

wow I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. its ridicules to me we can't have poultry on our own property! its always one excuse after another. they treat having chickens as some awful thing yet in some cities they allow people to grow pot for "medical use" our cities have came to making drug dealers legal but chickens illegal. what is wrong with our world! its down right stupid! is there any way you can keep your chickens with out them knowing? or would you think someone would turn you in? I'm really sorry your in this situation! I do hope you can find a way to keep them. maybe if you got signatures from your neighbors saying they don't mind. do you think you could get that? I wish I could be of more help! keep us posted on how things are going for you and I really hope you figure out a way to keep them! best of luck

 

[chfite]

If the acreage in back is unrestricted, there might be where you should place the coop.

Chris