Keeping Chickens & Other Farm Animals
In all cases check with Community Development Department about:
Ø Setbacks for chicken coops and stables
Ø If building permits are needed for chicken coops and stables
Ø To find out which zoning district your property is located
Personal Agriculture:
In zoning districts RR, D-1, D-3, D-5, D-10SF, D-10, LC, GC, WC, WI, and I:
Ø Up to six hens (no roosters) may be kept for Personal Use Agricultural without any special permits
In zoning districts D-15, D-18, MU, MU2:
Ø Up to six hens (no roosters) may be kept for Personal Use Agricultural with a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission
Commercial Agriculture:
In zoning districts RR, and I:
Ø Up to 3 farm animals (including hens/roosters) may be permitted without any special permits, IF the stabling/yard is not within 100 feet of the nearest residence
Ø More than 3 farm animals (including hens/roosters) OR stabling/yard within 100 feet of the nearest residence may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission
In zoning districts D-1, D-3, D-5, LC, and GC:
Ø Up to 3 farm animals (including hens/roosters) may be permitted without any special permits, IF the stabling/yard is not within 100 feet of the nearest residence
Ø More than 3 farm animals (including hens/roosters) OR stabling/yard within 100 feet of the nearest residence may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission
Things to keep in mind:
Ø Store feed inside to avoid attracting bears
Ø Store feed in rodent resistant containers and avoid spilling on to the ground
Ø Compost manure and bedding in a closed container or concrete pad with a roof (avoid leaching nitrates into the ground water and reduce odors)
Ø Consider electric fencing to discourage bears
Ø Make sure any exterior lighting does not shine onto neighboring properties
Revised on 07/15/16 Community Development Department
907-586-0715