Why should backyard chickens be allowed in residential neighborhoods?

[SourRoses]

By chance has there been an update to this? We are in Zephyrhills and when calling the city they are saying Pasco does not allow backyard chickens in residential non rural zones.

The only bottled water we drink!
Sorry you are going through this. It's quite common in FL for counties to restrict liberty to the agricultural zones. Last year we were looking at places and even a property zoned Rural in Putnam still limited hens to 4. You basically have to be in an AG zone :/

 

[Raising Chicks in Everett]

View attachment 1441421

Hello my fellow backyard chicken friends.

I am meeting with county officials next week to discuss backyard chickens. Currently poultry are only allowed in agriculturally zoned areas. (Backyard chickens only hasn't passed bc of 1 vote!) I am asking for your research and knowledge on this topic to help our county move forward with allowing backyard chickens.

- Why should residential neighborhoods be allowed backyard chickens?
- What regulations do you believe counties should have to help owners maintain healthy lawns, property value, and a healthy flock?
- What research have you done that you believe makes the case for backyard chickens?
- Any additional comments?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts.View attachment 1441421

We have a limit of 6, no Roos. Luckily I live next to a bar, so noise is no problem. The girls make less noise than the pups in the neighborhood, most people stop to take a look through the fence. Good luck

 

[TCona344]

Our town legalized hens years ago. A group of homeowners that wished to raise hens did research and scheduled to speak at a city council meeting. The council listened to the arguments presented, voted at a later date, and passed new ordinances permitting hens. I wish that I had the pages of research material still, but unfortunately do not. We addressed the 4H/raising for FFA aspect, myths regarding drawing vermin, myths regarding odor, myths regarding bird flu fears in backyard flocks, and really pitched the "urban/suburban homestead" movement (which appeals across the political spectrum to many for various reasons). We pointed out that noise and noxious odor ordinances were already on the books, and could be utilized in dealing with flock owners that were not conscientious of their neighbors/didn't keep their property sanitary. Many of our neighbors have gardens and backyard flocks, have clean and beautifully manicured/landscaped lawns, and all within a typical suburban neighborhood. Best of luck to you!!

Hi, I live in North Texas also (Rockwall). Is there anyone I can message that put this information together?

 

[MROO]

Hi, I live in North Texas also (Rockwall). Is there anyone I can message that put this information together?

Start with your local Ag Extension Office (Agricultural Extension.) They'll likely have some good info to get you started. Ours will actively help residents looking to get Ag projects approved.

 

[No Coop No Problem]

Going by the logic of noise and cleanliness anywhere a dog is allowed should also allow chickens

 

[The Good Grumble]

If the plan goes ahead there should be restrictions so that everyone is happy, say maximum of 2 chickens per property and coop must be 6 meters away from neighboring fences, any noise complaints and the chooks must go type of thing. Happy neighbours are most important. Chooks also need to have a certain amount of space to be happy

2? They’re flock animals. Sounds like you sit on an HOA board.

Just got back from my son’s place in TX - HOA, the neighborhood dogs, screaming kids at the local school, motorcycles, lawnmowers, would have deadened the sound of my flock of 11 and rooster instantly.