21.6.I Chicken Coop

1. Chicken coops and runs shall meet the following standards:

a. Chicken coops and runs are permitted to locate only in the rear yard and shall be located at least ten (10) feet from all lot lines and ten (10) feet from any dwelling.

b.  The facility shall be kept in good repair, maintained in a clean and in a sanitary condition, and free of vermin, obnoxious smells, and substances. The facility shall not create a nuisance or disturb neighboring residents due to noise, odor, damage, or threats to public health.

c. The chicken coop and run shall be designed to ensure the health and well-being of the animal is not endangered by the manner of keeping or confinement.

d. The chicken coop and run shall be adequately lighted and ventilated.

2.  No person may keep more than six (6) chickens on any property at one time.

3.  No commercial activity will result from the keeping of chickens on the property, except for selling of eggs at agricultural uses in accordance with Article 20, Section 20.3.C.6.

4.  Roosters are not permitted. However, if the gender of a chick cannot be determined at hatching, a chick of either gender may be kept on the property for no more than six (6) months.

5.  Chickens shall be kept in coops and fenced runs when property owner or agricultural operator is not present. Chickens may be free-range only in fenced-in properties when property owner or agricultural operator is present. 

6. No storage of chicken manure is permitted within twenty (20) feet of any lot line. All chicken manure shall either be composted immediately through incorporation of carbon-rich material or removed from the property and disposed of properly. 

7.  Slaughtering of chickens on-site is prohibited.

Ord. 29278 MCS, 12-19-19, ZD 079/19;