We have to get rid of our chickens!

[gerryhouser]

This may be of some help. Ten years ago my wife and I were annexed by the Town of Smyrna, TN (see the LORE project for our chicken laws). We were visited over several months by two different codes inspectors. The first told us that we would have to get rid of our chickens. The second told us that we were grandfathered in, but changing the flock size would cancel the exception. This got me to start calling State and Local officials to ask about my flock and my rights. I came away with the impression that either the officials did not know what their ordinances said or they were counting on me not knowing and willing to take their word as law. After this experience I did a search of state and local law, found for my self what my rights were, spoke to my local and state representative and my codes official about what I found. Ten years latter I still have my chickens.

All this to say, do your research, check your local ordinances, talk to your elected officials as well as your bureaucrats. Request ordinance numbers and read.

 

[Frost Homestead]

Quote:
this is great! I would be tempted to do this too!

 

[The Burg Peeps]

A lot of formerlly rural towns within commuting distance of major centres (such as North Grenville/Kemptville is to Ottawa, the nation's capital) are losing their rural roots and becoming bedroom communities equipped with subdivisions built around golf courses and other such horrific things. With such development come commuters who's *sensibilities* just can't comprehend why you'd want a "dirty chicken" in your yard because chicken comes packed on white styrofoam covered in plastic wrap from the cooler in the grocery store, right? right?

This is exactly what we live in. We are in the suburbs and have a golf course across the way. We live in a small town that many in the nearest large city would consider "country" but live in the fancy subdivision. Had we known about the laws we never would have purchased a home here. We wanted the park across the street and the neighbourhood is full of other young families so our kids have many friends in the neighbourhood. We will continue fighting to keep our birds and have a few tricks up our sleeves. We really do appreciate the support and flow of ideas this thread has given us. We have no immediate intention of getting rid of our birds!

The people who complained are exactly who we thought it would be... although we always had a good relationship with these neighbours, turns out they are pretty phony! They are trying to sell their house and we have something that may just bring a flaw to their plan. I will simply say, it might just get very interesting!​

 

[misterhandsome]

Quote:
I'll keep my eyes peeled!

 

[TeePants]

Good luck to you! Give them the what for. We're looking at buying a house in a subdivision in a town a lot like that, but fortunately poultry is still legal, and the neighbor 3-4 houses down has hens AND a few roosters (who create quite a ruckus), so I expect whatever small flock we garner will go unnoticed.

 

[RandyDR]

Good luck! This is why I could never live in the city. Too many restrictions. At least out here in the countryside I can raise as many as I want

 

[Chickens&Ducks]

I was so sad when I read your first post. I wanted to cry myself and I don't even know you!! My husband has been looking for a new job, possibly in a new state which makes me worry greatly that I won't be able to bring my birds... and I love them!! We're renters which makes things difficult.

I looked at your blog and saw that you're fighting this- good for you! Your birds and adorable!

 

[cottagechick]

Quote:

This is exactly what we live in. We are in the suburbs and have a golf course across the way. We live in a small town that many in the nearest large city would consider "country" but live in the fancy subdivision. Had we known about the laws we never would have purchased a home here. We wanted the park across the street and the neighbourhood is full of other young families so our kids have many friends in the neighbourhood. We will continue fighting to keep our birds and have a few tricks up our sleeves. We really do appreciate the support and flow of ideas this thread has given us. We have no immediate intention of getting rid of our birds!

The people who complained are exactly who we thought it would be... although we always had a good relationship with these neighbours, turns out they are pretty phony! They are trying to sell their house and we have something that may just bring a flaw to their plan. I will simply say, it might just get very interesting!

That kind of reminds me of when I said something to my mom about the chickens eating bugs. She said she didn't want to have chickens that ate bugs. I just humored her and pretended that they were only eating the grass.

 

[The Burg Peeps]

We have a local coop co op in the local county and plan to bring our chickens there for the time being until we can change the bylaw or simply MOVE!

 

[Normark]

Hello Everyone

The Locks "problem" and I use the term lightly has got me interested in this back yard chicken debacle.

I don't have a dog in this fight, I have the potential to, so I stand for not only my rights, the Locks and Everyone Everywhere.

Although I don't know the Locks personally yet, I would very much like to meet them and support them 110% in any way I can. They live about 20 mins away and our town has similar bylaws...

One thing that has to be remembered is that other towns and cities have eased restrictions on chickens,, NOT to Appease the Cluckers, but simply because they realize they have Absolutely Zero lawful foot hold and aren't willing to uphold an arbitrary meaningless law that essentially effects No one, causes No problem and for whatever reason it was enacted, is Obviously no longer a problem. These laws were put into place to further define the City or Town Limits for future zoning purposes. At one time it may have been a good reason, however that "good reason" no longer exists, as times have changed

For the sake of repeating myself over and over and cross posting,, please read my comments here and see what you think.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=559628&p=1

I have debated this online Publicly , will debate it with Anyone, Anytime and I have yet to hear a valid complaint for not allowing chickens. The arguments they do have are Easily defeated with fact. Once they cannot fight Logic, they change their posture to conjecture, and then it's all over.

You simply cannot use speculation and "what if's" to support an unreasonable antiquated law. All laws must be justifiable and reasonable to be legitimate. They also must be Objective and Purposeful. If I cannot have chickens, Why Not ?

Subjective reasons cannot be applied to the law and shouldn't be allowed to define or enact a law. It has to have Meaning. Without legitimate meaning it is Invalid as it cannot stand on it's merits...

Sarah

There is a poultry auction the last Tuesday of every month (excluding this month because of the fair) There is a good place to garner support of like minded people and start the education process. I invite you to come out, bring your articles and talk with people...

I invite anyone's comment on this issue


Bills and Beaks
Peace and Love

Eric