Nifty: To answer your points more specifically,
(1) Hookup/find local officials:
First of all you need to know what jurisdiction you are in, municipality, township, county, parish (LA). Then you can go to the appropriate website and they will always have a list of the council/board members. I would check around and see which ones are most likely to be favorable and go talk to them.
Before you do that you should look up your local ordinances, which are also usually on line. Otherwise go there and get a copy. It may take some doing to find what you are looking for as it may not be searchable or fully indexed. You usually will find it under the zoning category, or maybe animals.
If the ordinances don't say anything, go ahead and set yourself up. If they do, be sure they are sufficiently specific. I have seen things which just prohibit "barn animals" for example. That may not be clear enough and you can take advantage of that.
They usually can't do something to you ex post facto so if there is no ordinance in place or the one there is vague, they may be required to let you keep your chickens even if they prohibit others from doing so in the future.
You may be able to petition for a change in zoning to an agricultural category or get a conditional use for a limited number of years or until you sell the property.
Your state may have Right to Farm laws which may arguably apply. Usually I would say these would not apply to urban situations but if you are outside of the city and you get annexed, you may be able to make use of them. I would hurry and get your flock going if you think that is a possibilty.
Lot size may also be a factor. Size matters if you want to be a chicken owner. You have a better argument if you have a larger lot. Also things like screening with evergreens, solid wood fences etc. can be cited in your favor if you have that.
(2) etc. Dogs make a lot more noise than chickens so if roosters are excluded, noise should not be a consideration.
The other considerations may be odor. If you can show that your coop doesn't smell that could be very important. On the other hand, the city may not want to get itself into the business of having to have a "chicken police" to check up on how everybody is maintaining their coop.
I would recommend the movie "Mad City Chickens" for an example of how to make changes in your community. They also have a website:
www.madcitychickens.com. This year they are having a coop tour in August. The Madison ordinance requires payment of an annual fee of ten dollars, and notice to all neighbors within 200 feet. If more than 50% of those don't file objections within 14 days, you can get a permit. You are limited to 4 hens, no roosters, and the coops have to be at least 25 feet from the next property.
A word about subdivision covenants. These are often even more vague than municipal ones. They are not enfored by the government so the association has to get a lawyer and go to court to go after you which they may not want to do so you may have some room to bargain. Look to see if there are provisions for payment of attorneys' fees by the losing side. Also, your association may have gone inactive after the development was built out so there may really not be anyone left to try to enforce anything. You can also run for election to the association board yourself.
Good luck out there!
