Town wants chicken tractor to be permanently installed with concrete

[chickies19]

I have a large chicken run and a coop inside of the chicken run. I bring the chickens out of the run in a Alumicoop (commercial grade chicken tractor). I return the chickens back to the run and their coop in the evenings.

Town says the chicken tractor has to be permanently fixed into the ground (with concrete). I tried to explain the concept of a chicken tractor to them and they’re not understanding at all. Anyone else have issues with their town banning the use of chicken tractors?

 

[ManOverBoard]

I have a large chicken run and a coop inside of the chicken run. I bring the chickens out of the run in a Alumicoop (commercial grade chicken tractor). I return the chickens back to the run and their coop in the evenings.

Town says the chicken tractor has to be permanently fixed into the ground (with concrete). I tried to explain the concept of a chicken tractor to them and they’re not understanding at all. Anyone else have issues with their town banning the use of chicken tractors?

Woah, what state?

 

[chickies19]

Illinois

 

[LaFleche]

Town says the chicken tractor has to be permanently fixed into the ground (with concrete).

Have they given a reason why?

 

[chickies19]

This town is so unfamiliar with chickens that they said the chicken tractor is a coop and all coops need to be grounded with concrete….

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

I have a large chicken run and a coop inside of the chicken run. I bring the chickens out of the run in a Alumicoop (commercial grade chicken tractor). I return the chickens back to the run and their coop in the evenings.

Town says the chicken tractor has to be permanently fixed into the ground (with concrete). I tried to explain the concept of a chicken tractor to them and they’re not understanding at all. Anyone else have issues with their town banning the use of chicken tractors?

Is the tractor in a backyard or within view of the street? I'm just curious how the town got involved in this in the first place.

We live on unrestricted land in the wilds, but it's always been my opinion that what *they* don't know, as long as it's not causing physical harm to someone else's person or property, won't hurt them.

If you haven't already, I'd ask to see proof of the town ruling or legislation that bans this type of structure. Towns shouldn't place stipulations on citizens just because of opinions or sensibilities.

 

[LaFleche]

They should provide you with a copy of the respective laws/regulations/ordinances or similar where it says exactly so.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

This town is so unfamiliar with chickens that they said the chicken tractor is a coop and all coops need to be grounded with concrete….

Does it have wheels on it? You could say it's a [chicken] RV or tiny home. Many towns have allowances for those type of temporary structures or residences, footings and foundations are unnecessary. You ought to be able to park a "RV" in your yard.

I'd find some way around this ridiculous ruling. So sorry you're having to deal with it!

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

They should provide you with a copy of the respective laws/regulations/ordinances or similar where it says exactly so.

Exactly! And any ordinances on what temporary and/or moveable structures or vehicles are permitted to be housed on property.

 

[NatJ]

This town is so unfamiliar with chickens that they said the chicken tractor is a coop and all coops need to be grounded with concrete….

Do they require a run to be grounded with concrete? If not, you could say "it is not a coop, it is a run," and see if that works.

If you can get a copy of the actual rules involved, maybe look for a definition of "coop" and "run" (and any other terms, like "yard" or "pasture" or "portable pen" or anything else you can think of.)

Hopefully you can show that it does meet the definition of something they already recognize, that does not need the concrete.