Zoning Appeals and Chickens in MD

[koofie]

I researched the Howard County/Columbia chicken laws and I have posted what I have found: http://www.koofie.com/chicken-laws-in-howard-county

I'm still looking into it; if anyone has more information please let me know!

 

[chateau poulet]

Montgomery County has just sent the final draft of it's new code for approval by the County Council.
After a lot of advocating by chicken lovers, we are really happy with the result.
Here's what it says:


Animal Husbandry
1. Defined
Animal husbandry is the accessory practice of raising hens, ducks, miniature
goats, rabbits, and bees.
2. Use Standards
Where animal husbandry is allowed as a limited use, it is subject to the following
standards:
a. Any accessory structure used to house hens, ducks, miniature
goats, or rabbits must meet the setback requirements of an accessory
structure for the zone.
b. One miniature goat may be kept for every 2,000 square feet of land area
and one hen, duck, or rabbit may be kept for every 1,000 square feet of
land area. A combined total of 8 animals is allowed per lot.
c. Roosters are prohibited.
d. In the CRN, CRT, CR, GR, NR, LSC, EOF, IM, and IH zones, only bees are
allowed.

 

[chateau poulet]

Montgomery County is very close to passing the text below. Perhaps once it's passed, Howard may consider following suit?


Animal Husbandry
1. Defined
Animal husbandry is the accessory practice of raising hens, ducks, miniature
goats, rabbits, and bees.
2. Use Standards
Where animal husbandry is allowed as a limited use, it is subject to the following
standards:
a. Any accessory structure used to house hens, ducks, miniature
goats, or rabbits must meet the setback requirements of an accessory
structure for the zone.
b. One miniature goat may be kept for every 2,000 square feet of land area
and one hen, duck, or rabbit may be kept for every 1,000 square feet of
land area. A combined total of 8 animals is allowed per lot.
c. Roosters are prohibited.
d. In the CRN, CRT, CR, GR, NR, LSC, EOF, IM, and IH zones, only bees are
allowed.

 

[mollymc]

Hi, I can't believe, I'm saying this, but I would be willing to head up an effort to change Howard County's laws regarding chickens. I live on an out parcel in Columbia, so I'm not subject to the Columbia Association laws. However, my property is less than an acre, and the furthest I could possibly locate a coop is 170 feet from my nearest neighbor. My oldest son wants to raise chickens but at this point we'd be in violation of the law. As I looked online, I discovered that many people across the country are in similar situations, and just go ahead and get chickens anyway. I contemplated this, but then as I did more research I discovered a 33 page document done by the Environmental Law Institute in DC. They surveyed the top 100 cities in the US that allow backyard chickens without burdensome restrictions. The document compiles these findings and provides a bunch of research supportive of urban chicken farming, and provides model zoning laws that other municipalities can put into place. It seems like this document would be very helpful in trying to convince Howard County that they are well behind the times. If anyone would be interested in helping with this effort, please let me know. Here is a link to the document. It's long, but worth a read: http://ssrn.stanford.edu/delivery.p...4030032090003079064113101088116077070&EXT=pdf.

 

[bokbokbokbgok]

And here's a related thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/723758/great-news-in-montgomery-county-md/10#post_10590384
This was about a discussion of the pending new zoning rules.

 

[edavison22]

Did you ever find out any info about the "mobile" chicken Coop? I live in Illinois but am fighting the same battle with the county. The law isnt about what animals you can keep it is only about any building or structure housing livestock or poultry.

I'm wondering if the mobile chicken coop will pass under the same rules as a "Tiny House"

Thanks!

 

[teachmechicken]

Does anyone have any info on keeping chickens in Washington County MD? I live in a rural urban area and I cant find anything!