Worried about getting permission from neighbor for chickens...

[sheribaz]

I live in an area of St. Petersburg called Shore Acres. Our city ordinance allows us to keep chickens, as long as the coop is 100 feet away from neighbors' residences -- UNLESS we can get neighbors' permission. I have everyone's permission except one neighbor who I'm afraid to ask. They are a shady crew -- son has been arrested twice and is currently being processed for sexual battery with a minor (we'll call him Criminal here on out) -- father is on disability and slinks around the house day and night. They have two large dogs that used to be a real barking nuisance, and I've reported them twice for barking. Of course, they do not like me, since I take pride in the care for my home and yard and keep it beautifully-maintained.
Here's my issue: I would like to build a coop for two chickens next to my garage (which is at the far opposite side of my fenced-in back yard from the Criminal), and they wouldn't even see the chickens unless I have them out under supervised grazing in my fully-fenced backyard. I can't measure the total property from the coop's location to the criminal's residence, but it's 75 feet from my coop to my backyard fence, and I'm assuming only another 10 feet or so to their residence. I read horror stories about people getting codes compliance warnings if they're under 100 feet without the neighbor's permission, but I'm absolutely terrified of asking this neighbor for any kind of "permission" since they are pros at breaking the law (have I mentioned the Criminal hasn't paid his mortgage in over 24 months and his property taxes in almost as long? We checked the tax records since they are such a nuisance to our little neighborhood.).
I have two wonderful 6-month-old chickens that are already being given to me, courtesy of my wonderful farm manager in Odessa. They are both extremely personable Ameraucanas who follow me around every weekend at the barn and beg to be held. My barn manager says they prefer the small coop and protective areas and therefore would transition well to my yard. She has agreed to take them back at any time, in case I can't keep them here due to the Criminal/Code ordinances... But I'd like to have my boyfriend build a gorgeous yellow coop (much like the Hawaiian Coop in the "small coops" section on this website) next to my garage (opposite side of Criminal), and I don't want him to have to do all that work if I end up having to fight the City. I work at home and am here virtually all day, every day, and can keep a close eye on the girls if and when I decide to bring them "home."
Need some help and general advice on what to do and if I should a) call the Codes guy and have a frank chat about my dilemma, or b) take my chances and just do it, then fight the City if it comes to it. I know I'd win the "sympathy vote" since I'd be arguing against a guy who has broken virtually every city code and continues to do so, but I'd hate the stress of going through that.
Another thing -- sorry this is so long -- I have 8' high fencing (white vinyl) in my backyard -- even if I keep the girls' wings clipped regularly, I'd be HORRIFIED if they flew up and over the fence. Any experience with wing-clipped chickies jumping fences? Sorry this was so long; but would love some advice from folks with chickens...

 

[sourland]

I'd just go for it. If he hasn't paid his mortgage or taxes in 24 months, he will soon be up for bank foreclosure and/or tax sale. If he notices and causes trouble, the chickens could always go back to the farm. Ordinarily I would say deal with the guy, but since you have HISTORY with him (barking dog complaint) I would choose to be somewhat less straight forward. Good Luck.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Why judge the father as being a bad person, when it sounds like it's the son who is the creep? And you said the son doesn't live there full time. Most of what you said was about the son anyway. Give the old guy a chance, he may surprise you. He probably won't even care since he surely knows he is living there on borrowed time.

In my opinion, I would wait for a casual conversation to bring it up, like you said, when he was outside taking out the garbage or something. Some people get really cranky if you go up and ring the doorbell and they have to stop what they are doing to answer (even if it is just watching TV). And recruiting the neighbor who gets along with the old guy could be a step to mending fences. Even if you don't take the neighbor with you, ask them what they think the guy would say if you approached for permission or if they have any advice on how to approach him.

 

[1mommahen]

Go for it! Asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission sometimes! I have 6ft stockade fence around my property and no chicken has hopped it yet!

 

[redhen]

I would do it...

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If it were me I would just ask the guy if he minded if I have chickens.

If he says no, he says no.

And then maybe he'll move one day. And then - chickens.

But that's me. I wouldn't want to have to talk bad about someone to the city.

 

[desertdarlene]

That's great that you're trying to cross all your Ts and dot your Is because that's what I would do, too. However, I, personally, don't think you should worry about these neighbors ratting you out because they probably won't like inspectors coming onto their property to measure things, etc. Or, they might not like having the attention of the city or law enforcement on them, so they will probably not be a problem. I think if you were ever asked why you didn't get permission from them, you have a valid defense as I don't think you should have to risk your safety to ask. However, I would worry about them stealing your chickens/eggs or hurting them.

If you change your mind about approaching them, you can offer free eggs to them if you get their permission if you think that will help.

Something tells me that they're not going to be living there very much longer, but then you will have to deal with the possibility of new neighbors to get permission from.

 

[Imp]

Just a couple of random thoughts

First Welcome to BYC

1- Are they really neighbors? or are they squatters since they are not paying the mortgage or taxes. By now I'd think a bank owns the house.

2- Is there another neighbor that can ask (one that gets along with the criminal better)

I doubt a full grown large chicken will go over an 8 ft fence. Maybe a 6 month old but I'd think that's unlikely. They can and do wiggle under fences though.

Imp

 

[Ed62]

He probably isn't aware of the ordinance. Since you don't get along with him, it would likely be a losing battle if you ask for permission. I think I'd just take my chances, especially since you have already talked to other neighbors. He probably wouldn't say a word.

Ed

 

[Klukkin Ken]

I am going through a similar ordeal with a nasty neighbor. 100 foot ordinance, strange police chief, etc. Google maps became my friend along with all the other neighbors around me. I googled my address and got on the satellite view (with the handy scale on it) and managed to find a location on my property where I will only be within 100 feet of one neighbor. One of my hens will be sold to him for one cent therefore "we" will own the chickens and be perfectly within the ordinances.
If your neighbor has been reported by you for his dogs, I wouldn't be surprised if he reports you as well just for spite, but it sounds like he won't be there much longer.