"Scrambled" in Macedon, NY

[hikingdingo]

I am very frustrated. Before getting our 4 chicks I researched everything I could to find on our local ordinances and found varying information. I asked at the town office and was told I could have 4 hens. This morning I called with a question regarding the building of our coop and was told I could absolutely not have any chickens since I did not have 5 acres and they were considered farm animals.

There are 3 houses with backyard chickens on our street and I, naively, was not expecting a run around!
Any advice or anybody in Macedon, NY???
Our chicks can go live with my mom who is 6 minutes away but of course we love them and want them in our backyard!
thanks for any insight!
Tiffany

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Since you are getting a variety of answers, you need to research the city code and zoning yourself; obviously not everyone downtown is on the ball or even the same page.

First, figure out what your zoning is, and then look up allowed uses. Next, look up anything on animals and pets. With a handful of hens, you can make a fairly strong case that they are pets. With a 1000 bird layer-barn you cannot. The coop may or may not require a building permit--depends on your city, and the type of coop you plan.

In my city, structures that are over 200 sq ft or over 8' tall require a building permit. Smaller and it does not unless it will be wired for electric or plumbed for water. But I have seen code that required a permit for a small doghouse! (ridiculous IMO).

Each time you speak with a town official, make sure to get their name and title. Saying "Elvira Smith in the planning and zoning office said "blah, blah, blah..." Or "Fred Brown the city clerk told me "duh, duh, duh..." carries more weight than "someone at city hall told me I could have 4 hens." Be sure to ask for the city code or zoning reference that allows hens.

 

[hikingdingo]

Thank you for the reply. I have been looking at the codes online and find contradicting verbage. I gave the name of the person I spoke with and was told "well, Judy doesn't know what she is talking about" !! way to stand behind your coworkers right?!
I will keep digging, thank you so much for your suggestions I greatly appreciate them!
Best~
Tiffany

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Well, it is hard to say if "Judy" or the other person is the one who does not know. THat's why its useful to ask for references in the code itself.

 

[NorTracNY]

Tiffany,
I'm sorry that you're having problems with the town. Let me know what zoning you're in. You can find this possibly in your taxes, but you definitely can find it on the towns map. I'll send you a PM so you I can help you further. Remember that the code is what matters, never what a town employee says.

 

[irmanator]

Hi I am up the road in Palmyra. Just wondering how this turned out.

 

[AprilMA]

Thank you for the reply. I have been looking at the codes online and find contradicting verbage. I gave the name of the person I spoke with and was told "well, Judy doesn't know what she is talking about" !! way to stand behind your coworkers right?!
I will keep digging, thank you so much for your suggestions I greatly appreciate them!
Best~
Tiffany

Good morning. I was wondering if you ever got an answer to your chicken question. I live in Macedon, NY and would like to get a few hens myself. They would be pets for me, and I would consume the eggs.